Miami Bar Is Forced to End Fish-Swallowing Contest

April 2003

When PETA learned that goldfish were being used in beer funneling contests in a Miami, Florida, bar, we contacted the Department of Business and Professional Regulations to ask that it investigate the bar for health code violations. Reports indicated that goldfish were being dropped into funnels, and bar patrons were being encouraged to swallow the fish as they chugged beer. After persistent phone calls, reluctant city officials sent an inspector, who found that the contest presented a health hazard. The city ordered the bar to call off the contests.