BAR staff are being urged to talk customers into ordering double measures despite fears over binge drinking and alcohol-fuelled violence.

Future 3000 employees are being told to push promotions including "doubles for an extra £1" and "six shots for £9".

And bosses are even producing league tables to show which staff members have sold the highest percentage of double spirits on any given night.

The company, which runs Bliss, Toko and Fufu in Bournemouth, as well as Oyster Quay in Poole, is currently advertising pitchers for £5, deals on shots, and doubles for an extra £1 at Bliss in St Peter's Road.

And owner Richard Carr has defended the promotions despite opposition from local councillors.

"Just because there is a league table does not mean that we are selling to people who have already had five or six doubles," he said.

"Like any other commercial entity it is in our interests to sell as much as we can.

"I expect the Daily Echo wants to sell a lot of newspapers and I am sure McDonald's would prefer to sell a large Coke than a small one."

Mr Carr said his outlets sell 25ml measures compared with 35ml in some other establishments and added: "You could still drive a car home on two 25ml shots.

"There is nothing wrong with a person having a double measure of vodka rather than a single.

"I do not think it is irresponsible."

One employee told how staff are congratulated if they sell doubles instead of singles and added: "It is all about maximising profits but this fuels the violence on the streets."

Bournemouth Central ward councillor David Smith said he believes the promotions are "absolutely appalling" and added: "It is not surprising that people are running around the town drunk."

Cllr Smith said he now plans to raise his concerns with Operation Globe in Bournemouth.

Operation Globe, which includes representatives from Bournemouth council and the police, meets monthly to discuss Bournemouth's night-time economy.

First published: May 20