Is Snakebite illegal in the UK ?

[CuZito]

I remember being able to drink Snakebite Black in my university union but when I asked for it recently at a bar ( for a friend of mine...), the barman said that they weren't allowed to sell it because it was illegal. I know that some bars and pubs have different policies about selling it but does anyone know why ? Snakebite is half a pint of lager, half a pint of cider for those that don't know what it is.

[andy hughes]

I think you will find that the combination is undesirable, rather than illegal, because of the potent effect it creates, and the anti-social behaviour that occurs as a result of drinking it. For that reason, a lot of bars and clubs don't sell Snakebite, and it avoids arguments if a bar person advises it is illegal, rather than simply a management policy not to sell it. People respond far better to a 'can't sell' response, rather than a 'won't sell', which leads to further unpleasantness.

[rja211077]

it can't possibly be illegal cos you could always buy half a lager and half a cider in separate glasses. which begs another question - is it really the mixture that causes the problem or the type of person inclined to drink such a horrible concoction?

[tracymort]

i've been a barmaid and it's not illegal. it tends to be at the landlord/lady's discretion whether to serve it or not. it tends to lead to undesirable behavour you see!! if you went to a pub in a university town i imagine you'd be allowed but if you asked for it in some city trendy wine bar then i'd say no!

[tjvy2]

I believe it is not strictly illegal to serve any mixture of drinks in a bar as long as the purchaser is to be the consumer. The problem arises where it is not clear to the bar-person that the person buying the drink will consume it. This difficulty arises because of a case in law where a driver had his drink 'spiked' and was able to successfully plead not guilty of drink driving. Adulterating other people's drinks without their knowledge is thus illegal as it constitutes poisoning. Odd mixtures like Snakebite could be viewed as 'spiked' drinks.