A POTENTIALLY lethal drinking challenge to down more than 40 shots of alcohol has been withdrawn following strong criticism from police.

Officers called on Brighton bar Oxygen to end the promotional offer after customers were encouraged to splash out £105 for 42 shots.

The West Street venue asked revellers: “Do you have the balls to handle Big Woody’s 42 shots?”

Police said it was “a flagrant breach” of the bar’s licensing agreement and condemned the name of the drinks as “sexually aggressive” and “demeaning to women”.

They also warned drinking so much alcohol would leave customers extremely ill in a “best case” scenario.

The bar’s management said the offers had been running for several weeks but were withdrawn following contact with Sussex Police.

Another promotion offered punters a “Family Pack” containing four vodka mixers, one Jäger megabomb, four Jäger grenades and four shots.

The minimum of 13 units of alcohol costs £30 between Sunday and Thursdays or £40 on a Friday or Saturday.

Jean Irving, Sussex Police licensing and public safety manager, said the “shocking” deal could be lethal depending on the strength of the alcohol.

She said: “The posters and flyers contain drinking challenges and deeply offensive terminology.

“How can any responsible licensee possibly think this is acceptable? “The venue has been contacted by licensing officers and told to remove these promotions immediately, and we are still considering our options regarding the flagrant breach of the Licensing Act 2003 mandatory Code for licensees which bans irresponsible drinks promotions.”

A manager, who did not wish to be named, said the challenge was aimed at a large group of “ten to 12 people at least” – not one person.

Brighton and Hove City Council confirmed police were investigating.

A spokeswoman said: “If they discover licensing offences, as the responsible authority, the police could initiate their own enforcement action and apply to us as the licensing authority for a licence review.”