Lorraine Williamson
A bar in Oviedo has sparked public outcry after launching a highly controversial promotion that offers customers a shot for just 50 cents—if they agree to endure a 10-second electric shock.
The promotion, which has been widely shared on social media, has led to calls for an investigation by local authorities.
The “Calambrazo” stunt explained
The promotion, referred to locally as ‘el calambrazo,’ involves customers voluntarily taking an electric shock in exchange for a discounted alcoholic drink. Moreover, the stunt has gained attention on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where videos of the challenge are circulating. In many cases, participants, including some who appear to be minors, can be seen taking part either alone or in groups, with the electric shock sometimes passing through multiple individuals at once.
Parents have expressed concern after recognising their children in these videos. The popularity of the stunt, particularly among young people, has raised alarms about the potential risks involved and the message it sends regarding risky behaviour.
Potential dangers
A 10-second electric shock, depending on the voltage and current used, can pose significant health risks. Even at relatively low levels, prolonged exposure may lead to muscle spasms, burns, nerve damage, or in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmia. The body’s natural electrical signals can be disrupted, particularly in individuals with heart conditions or those under the influence of alcohol, which may lower their physical response time and awareness of danger. Without proper regulation or medical oversight, exposing people—especially minors—to such shocks in exchange for alcohol could have serious consequences.
Vox party demands investigation
The political party Vox has condemned the promotion, calling it an “extremely serious” matter. The party has requested that Oviedo’s city council investigate the legal implications of using the electric shock device and whether any laws have been violated. Vox spokesperson Sonsoles Peralta has expressed concern over the possible harm to young people and questioned the adequacy of oversight in the city’s nightlife scene.
Peralta warned that Oviedo could become “a playground for dangerous experiments” if such stunts go unchallenged. The Vox party’s call for action has sparked a wider debate about the balance between marketing creativity and public safety in Spain’s nightlife industry.
The role of social media in promoting risky behaviour
The promotion’s reliance on social media to spread the stunt has raised concerns about the influence of online platforms in encouraging risky behaviours. Many young people, often motivated by the desire for social media fame, are participating in the challenge without fully considering the potential health risks. The stunt’s reward—an inexpensive alcoholic drink—adds an extra layer of controversy, highlighting the intersections of social media trends, alcohol consumption, and youth behaviour.
A wider debate on Spain’s nightlife culture
This incident has reignited ongoing discussions about the safety of Spain’s nightlife, particularly in relation to youth culture. Over the years, authorities have taken various measures to curb problematic behaviours, such as the practice of botellones—unsanctioned street drinking parties that often involve large groups of young people. In response, some cities have introduced fines or created designated drinking zones to reduce harm and better manage nightlife activity.
The Oviedo bar promotion has brought new attention to the potential dangers that can arise when entertainment and youthful enthusiasm intersect with minimal regulation and oversight. It remains to be seen how local authorities will respond to this latest controversy and what implications it may have for future nightlife marketing tactics.