Warning over Spanish drinking game where players endure electric shock (2025)

Young tourists heading for Spain have been warned of a dangerous new pub game which offers them shots for 50p if they can endure an electric shock for more than ten 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.

An investigation is already underway in Asturias in the north of Spain where a bar in Oviedo was attracting hundreds of would-be challengers every week.

Videos and pictures were posted on the social networks before they were withdrawn after Spanish newspaper, La Nueva Espana, revealed details of the prank.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.

A spokesperson for the area's pub and bar association, Otea said: 'Exposing young people to this type of risk is extremely serious.'

The challenge is called 'the calambrazo', with the electric shock intensifying as time goes by.

The Otea association said in a statement: 'We express our deepest indignation and absolute rejection of the unusual and dangerous practice.

'Offering electric shocks in exchange for shots at a low price is not only an irresponsible action and lacks the slightest common sense but also directly threatens the safety and well-being of customers.'

'In addition, it could be considered as a way of inciting the consumption of alcoholic beverages and therefore as a very serious infringement of the regional regulations on public shows.

'Of particular concern is the information that points to the participation of minors in this dangerous activity, as can be seen from the publications in social media of the premises themselves.

'Exposing young people to this type of risk is extremely serious and requires immediate action by the competent authorities.'

Spokeswoman for the political party Vox in the city council, Sonsoles Peralta said: 'From Vox we consider it extremely serious that dangerous practices are promoted in nightlife venues, even more so when there are indications of the participation of minors.

'It is unacceptable that in Oviedo a type of leisure based on physical risk and personal degradation is being normalised in exchange for cheap alcohol and exposure on social networks.'

Spain

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