Bar operator pleads Guilty in Liquid Nitrogen Cocktail Case

At a preliminary hearing last week the operating company of Oscar’s Wine Bar in Lancaster pleaded guilty to Health & Safety failings, after a customer suffered severe injuries in October 2012 following the consumption of a “Nitro-Jagermeister” shot served by the Bar.

As a result of the injuries the victims stomach was removed in an emergency operation and she continues to suffer episodes of pain and being repeatedly hospitalised, her lawyer reports.

The use of liquid nitrogen in the preparation of some cocktails, in order to provide a smoking cauldron effect, creates significant Health & Safety issues and should be carefully risk assessed.  Liquid Nitrogen, which boils at -196 C, must be handled with the upmost care; consumption while still in a liquid state can lead to freeze burns or boil and become a gas inside the person’s stomach.

As a result of the incident, charges were brought against the barman, operating company and company director, all of whom carry varying degrees of Health and Safety responsibility in law.

Not guilty pleas by the barman and Company Director will not be contested, provided in the case of the director, that he contributes £20,000 towards the costs of the prosecution.

The sentencing of the Company will follow.