A NORTH-EAST nightclub will become the first in Britain to allow drinkers to take their own drink.

Bob Senior has decided to allow customers to take bottles and cans into the Durham Live Lounge, in North Road, Durham City, in an effort to compete with supermarkets selling alcohol at rock-bottom prices.

The 57-year-old, who has been in the industry for nearly 40 years, said: “Business in nightclubs is down 70 per cent in the last five years and big companies are going out of business.

“This is because bars have been allowed to open 24 hours and supermarkets are selling very cheap drink.

“People are either staying in and having house parties or they are spending several hours drinking cheap alcohol before they go out.

“Nightclubs cannot compete. We have to be imaginative if we are going to survive.”

Customers will pay £7 to enter Durham Live, after which they can drink their own alcohol, with glasses and ice supplied by the club. The scheme will run on Fridays and Mondays only.

The plan has come under fire from health groups, with the Safe Durham Partnership’s alcohol harm reduction group saying it posed a number of risks, including greater consumption of stronger drink.

Chairwoman Claire Sullivan said the move could harm health, cause problems for the emergency services and increase disorder, domestic and sexual violence.

She said: “Over the last four years, there has been an 87 per cent drop in violent crime in Durham City. We believe this action is a step backwards.”

Durham Police said it would monitor the situation closely.

However, Mr Senior said there was nothing in his licence banning the change, that his club would act responsibly and his staff would ensure a safe environment.

John Hayes, chairman of the Bar Entertainment and Dance Association, which represents nightclubs, said if the scheme was run safely and managed properly, it could work.

Two years ago, The Loft, also in North Road, was criticised for offering free drinks to customers paying £10 entry.

Mr Senior opened Durham Live Lounge nearly two years ago, in the former Robins cinema and Walkabout pub building.