By KELLY REID
A WERRIBEE nightclub has been issued with a notice from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation banning a promotion known as ‘Trasher of the Week’.
The Mynt Lounge promotion encouraged patrons to drink to excess while getting their photo taken for the venue’s website.
Photos attached to the promotion included both men and women in a drunken state, some half-dressed or passed out.
The promotional incentive was free alcoholic beverages for the most ‘trashed’ customer.
“If it’s you in the picture … congratulations, you’ve just embarrassed yourself and scored 2 free drink cards for Mynt Thursday,” the promotion claimed.
The VCGLR released a statement last week saying licensees have an obligation to serve alcohol responsibly and in accordance with their license agreements, in which Mynt failed to do so.
“The Commission has decided the advertising and promotion of the event was likely to encourage irresponsible consumption of alcohol and was not in the public interest,” it said.
“Promotional activities that encourage inappropriate attitudes towards women, may appeal to minors or increase risky drinking are not in accordance with the Commission’s guidelines on liquor advertising and promotions.”
The club released a statement priding itself on an “impeccable” six-year track record and agreed the promotion sent the wrong message.
“It was never our intention to offend and we sincerely apologise,” it said.
“Management will double its efforts to ensure its advertising satisfies the guidelines set out by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation for responsible liquor advertising and promotion.”
Promotion photos have since been taken down from the website.
