Benidorm bar is branded 'idiotic' for slapping group of 15 Brits across the face as they down shots

Daily Mail​

12-05-2025

A 'wild' Benidorm bar has been slammed over its 'idiotic' drinking game - that sees boozing Brits receive a hard slap across their face when buying shots.
The Wild Duck bar in the Spanish resort posted clips of a 15-strong group facing their Slap Shot experience on May 4, but many Facebook users were quick to condemn it.
Footage shows men of varying ages sitting on a bar chair to down a shot before one of the standing workers throws water into their face and slaps them.
Their heads can be seen turning with the force of each slap but the compilation clip ends with group members smiling and applauding.
Facebook users branded the stunt 'stupid and moronic' for 'promoting and normalising violence', with some saying it's put them off visiting.
The bar hit back in the comments section to claim everyone in the video paid £4 for the experience.
They said it is 'good fun' with 'no malice intended' and asked those posting negative comments to 'remember we're providing a light-hearted service that we clearly advertise'.
A spokesperson has since explained the idea came from a viral video shared in the staff group chat and it's since become a 'guest favourite'.
The controversial video has more than 120 likes, comments and shares with the video caption ending by asking viewers 'do you think you have what it takes?'.
One social media user commented: 'Until someone receives a trauma to their brain, neck and spine. What a stupid drink to optionally serve here.'
A second said: 'Honestly why would you promote this sort of behaviour, you idiots. It puts me right off your bar.'
A third added: 'Idiotic, moronic, stupidity at its finest, normalising violent behaviour and the bar are promoting this. Another bar to avoid.'
A fourth said: 'Oh dear! I would be hitting them back.'
However, one said: 'Wow, genius. I'm gonna have a couple when I get there.'
Another said: 'This is what I was on about. You are doing it next time we're there. Can't wait to watch.'
The bar says customers are asked if they'd prefer a 'soft or hard slap' and they're checked by staff to make sure they're okay afterwards.
When a user questioned their liability if a customer was to be hurt they claimed the stunt 'fully complies with local laws and regulations'.
A spokesperson for Wild Duck said: 'The Slap Shot has become a hugely popular and iconic part of The Wild Duck experience.
'We always ensure that participants fully understand what the Slap Shot involves, and they are given the choice of a soft or harder slap.
'The videos you see are often edited to keep the fun, viral energy - but what's not always shown is that immediately afterward, our team checks in with the guests to make sure they're OK and that they enjoyed the experience.
'As bar staff here, we genuinely want to give people the best possible experience - and if that includes having a Slap Shot, we won't disappoint.'
Backlash over the controversial game comes after young tourists heading for Spain were recently warned over a dangerous new pub game which offers them shots for 50p if they can endure an electric shock for more than 10 seconds.
The challenge, condemned by doctors as totally irresponsible and life-threatening, can be carried out as an individual or by a group who hold hands so the shock can travel from body to body.
The customer has to hold on to electrodes for more than ten seconds before they can qualify for a cheap shot for themselves or their friends if they all succeed.
Medics have warned that it is impossible to know if someone has an undetected heart problem and, in the worst scenario, they could die.
Videos and pictures were posted on the social networks before they were withdrawn after Spanish newspaper, La Nueva Espana, revealed details of the prank.
It is feared bars in other Spanish resorts might already be copying the idea or preparing to do so as a way of pulling in the crowds at the start of the main tourist season.