A new company due to be launched in Sydney next month has the New South Wales Opposition worried it could promote binge drinking.
The business, called The Hangover Clinic, offers hangover “cures” administered through an intravenous (IV) drip.
It has been in place in parts of Europe and America for several years, and is popular in party destinations such as Las Vegas and Ibiza.
The so-called hangover cure is due to set up in Sydney’s east as well as the CBD next month, just in time for the summer party season.
NSW Labor’s health spokesman Walt Secord said it could encourage binge drinking.
“I want New South Wales Health to make sure they’ve crossed every T and dotted every I. And to make sure that they’re not acting irresponsibly,” Mr Secord said.
“However, my concern is that this is… promoting the irresponsible use of alcohol.”
According to the website, the treatment involves pop-up clinics with certified doctors and medical professionals who administer intravenous drips.
The solution contains saline, vitamins, pain medication, as well as oxygen.
It can reportedly cure a hangover within about 30 minutes.
The website of the company said they also do house visits.
Mr Secord said it could lead people to drink more than they had planned if they knew there was a quick fix.
“They claim for about $200 they’ll hook you up onto an IV drip, of saline, vitamins, and they say that within 30-40 minutes you’ll be feeling better,” he said.
“No-one is against someone going out and having a few drinks. But this encourages the irresponsible use of alcohol.”
Mr Secord has called on the State Government to monitor the service to ensure it stays within the state’s health laws.
NSW Premier Mike Baird said he thought the issue should be something the Health Minister considered.
“In everything, we want to ensure that we don’t encourage a culture of binging,” Mr Baird said.
“We’ve seen the damage that violence can cause, and of course we’ve got concerns about that, but ultimately, that’s something that I’ll get the Health Minister to consider.”