| Fat Sams complained to Tayside Police alleging that Mardi Gras PR staff had been engaging in aggressive “Majorca-style” touting and were targeting people in their queue.
They claim that up to a dozen ticket touts were trying to entice Fat Sams customers next door with the prospect of discounted drinks.
The Licensing Board is issuing a warning to nightclub operators following the dispute, pointing out that an offence of “annoyance” can be caused by touting activity which carries a maximum fine of £50.
They are to clarify the rules on ticket touting at this month’s meeting.
The board is also recommending the regulation of fly posting and a review of the rules surrounding the minimum admission charge for entry to nightclubs.
Clubs must charge a minimum entry fee — currently £2.50 — however, some clubs have been offsetting their entry charge by offering free or discounted drinks.
The dispute was raised at a Liquor Licensing Forum meeting last month.
Fat Sams managing director Gus Robb said ticket touting from Mardi Gras had become over aggressive.
“There were 12 (Mardi Gras) PR staff in our queue from next door actively trying to get people to change their mind on the basis of cheap alcohol,” he said.
“This is aggressive Spanish or Majorca-style PRing. They were hassling people waiting outside Fat Sams with the promise of discounted drink.
“Various laws and local bylaws were being flouted. The entertainment license was being flouted. There’s a minimum admission of £2.50 to get into a nightclub. There was evidence in the form of vouchers offering free admission or free drinks.
“Glam and Mardi Gras were doing this and they should not be offering free drinks.
“This binge drinking culture is something we are trying to get away from. The main reason people come to our club is to dance.
“I don’t blame the touts themselves though. The management have put these people out so there’s no point in shooting the messenger.”
A spokesperson for Mardi Gras said, “We do not wish to make any comment regarding this issue at present as the matter is being discussed by our legal department.
Chief Inspector Bruce Kerr, of Tayside Police, said, “A complaint that somebody was giving out fliers from the premises mentioned (Mardi Gras) was made.
“We made it clear to them that it was illegal to do that. It could cause a problem with patrons who have an allegiance to one club
“It is illegal to tout for business like that and people can complain to the police if it gives them reasonable cause for annoyance.”
Licensing Board convener Neil Powrie said, “There was agreement at the forum that ticket touting should be regulated as part of the Code of Conduct.
“A report will be going to the June meeting of the board on this issue, which will also recommend the regulation of fly posting in the Code of Conduct.
“We do not want to get in the way of anyone enjoying a night out at any of the city’s nightclubs. We are, as a board, concerned that people should be able to go about their night’s leisure without having to suffer annoyance from competing establishments.
“I hope sense prevails and that people can see the Code of Conduct is in place to protect everyone’s interests. |
