US: Bacardi hit by 'flamethrower' lawsuit

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 26 July 2006

Bacardi has been hit by a lawsuit brought by a woman claiming to have been burnt during a company promotion four years ago.

The lawsuit, filed in the US on Monday (24 July) states that Danielle Alleyne from Miami was burned by flaming rum during a Bacardi promotion at a Miami nightclub in August 2002.

A customer set light to a menu in the club and placed it in the stream of alcohol a bartender was pouring at the time. The alcohol - identified as Bacardi 151 proof rum - turned into a flame thrower, the lawsuit added.

"The burning rum stuck to her skin and continued to burn as she fell to the floor and tried to put herself out," the lawsuit said. Alleyne suffered second and third degree burns on her face, neck, chest and back and is permanently disabled and disfigured, the suit alleges.

The suit alleges that Bacardi 151 proof rum "emits a high volume of combustible and explosive vapour" which makes it "unreasonably dangerous" and defective.

A Bacardi spokesperson told just-drinks: "Bacardi 151 carries a very clear label that warns against any flaming of the product. Bacardi USA has not been served with a lawsuit so we cannot respond to any specific claim."

Sectors: Spirits

Companies: Bacardi