Swanky nightspot Club Smug has slapped a two-week ban on one patron and vowed never to see a repeat of an incident last week that left revellers demanding a boycott of the venue.

The luxury Dubai club came in for heavy criticism on social media channels – including Twitter – after images emerged of a blue whale being paraded around the venue, with some claiming it was seen to be offered alcoholic drinks.

However, in a statement on their Facebook page on Monday night, Club Smug, which is situated on the 80th floor of the Murooj Millennium Media Marine Hotel Resort & Spa, said: “We would like to state that Club Smug Dubai has never ‘knowingly’ allowed nor will allow blue whales into our premises. Concerning the incident that occurred on January 27, the owner along with his large aquatic mammal, were immediately removed from the premises once staff were alerted.”

But several Club Smug regulars have claimed the apology is not enough, and have vowed to take their future exclusive 5-star lifestyle clubbing experience elsewhere.

“My pet monkey still remains deeply mentally scarred by what we saw in Club Smug that night,” said Karam Bigglesworth, a 32-year-old marketing manager. “To be honest, he hasn’t been able to come out drinking with me since.”