I am not sure what there is to discuss. Allowing (encouraging?) people to drink liquid nitrogen (temperature −195.79 °C) is really stupid. So let’s see what excuses they come up justifying this. See http://en.wikipedia.org/...iquid_nitrogen_cocktail.

I agree we maybe ought to hold fire. But I'm glad it reached the courts at least. Lets hope they do the right thing.

That'll be why the article refers to "Lancaster City Council said court proceedings will take place against the George Street wine bar, one of its directors and an employee." ;-)

I think the main problem is that people still think of cryogenic substances (including dry ice - temp -78C) as toys. Various people on TV (Not sure if I can name them...) use liquid nitrogen for fun and cooking in a quite irresponsible manner, in the public domain, setting a poor example to others. Some people also use it for legitimate experiments (making artificial hailstones...) but without the minimum protection. One of my questions would be "Where the hell did a public bar get a hold of some liquid nitrogen?"

I recall this incident being reported by the media at the time and was aghast at the irresponsible practice. What a shame this 'recreational' practice was not identified to the authorities and prohibited before these terrible injuries were sustained by the IP.

Please note that I am not talking about the or any pending court cases but about the practice of selling these drinks in general as this has been going on for some time and therefore there is no requirement to remove this posting.

Consumers tend to operate on the basis that if something is for sale then it must be safe or in some way 'checked' by authority. Safe by default. The use of liquid nitrogen regularly on television etc. in rather haphazard and laissez faire ways does not help the man on the street form a reasonable judgement. Those with a more sceptical mind know that the authorities are in no way approving everything that takes place or is sold. The legislation simply isn't written that way and, indeed, authorities from all walks of life are increasingly reactive these days thanks to ongoing cuts. Aren't we always having to consider foreseeable human behaviour within risk assessments? I kinda expect people to try and do daft things that I both personally and professionally view as unsafe.