The new owners of a Perth nightclub have defended “discount” pricing after criticism from a local councillor who is concerned the decision may lead to anti-social behaviour.
The Karnival Klub (formerly City) nightclub in South Methven Street opened its doors to patrons on Halloween, when it charged £1 entry before 11pm and 99p for alcohol.
The nightclub is now run by Perth Leisure Ltd, whose area manager, Mark Lony, defended the pricing policy on what will be a student night on Thursdays.
He maintained that the promotions night on Halloween was in line with Perth’s licensing objectives.
He said: “This was a promotions night and the 99p drinks prices were in line with the 72-hour drink policy. Drink prices will be higher at the weekend.”
He continued: “I’m an experienced nightclub operator, having run clubs in Glasgow for 17 years.
“We had 14 stewards working on Thursday and all our staff are trained in the Challenge 25 policy. We didn’t sell some of the stronger drinks, like Jagermeister, and want to be active in the local community.
“This will include allowing the council to have a Christmas tree located outside our venue and carol singing in the build-up to Christmas.”
Mr Lony also defended the decision to advertise the opening of the nightclub on social networking site, Facebook.
“Facebook is the biggest platform you can use and the Karnival Club has around 6,000 people on its site,” he added.
Perth City Centre Conservative councillor Heather Stewart said that, while she welcomes the opening of the nightclub, she has “grave concerns” regarding some of the new club’s procedures and practices.
“Discount promotion flies in the face of Government and licensing policy regarding binge drinking as it is well documented that this leads to anti-social behaviour,” she commented.
“Charging 99p for any drink for a whole evening, and minimal entry fee of £1 until 11 o’clock and £2 for students, can be a recipe for disaster. It can also trigger a price war with other licensed premises in Perth.
“The conditions for this licence were extremely stringent and it seems the owners are complying. I am also very pleased to hear that last night they were using local door stewards, which is extremely encouraging for security and safety purposes.
“However, time will tell and, as a local member and resident of Perth city, I will be closely monitoring the situation and liaising with Police Scotland and Perth and Kinross Licensing Department over the next few months especially with the extended hours over the festive season.”