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Entrepreneurial trio launch bar queue-jumping app in Manchester ahead of UK roll out

A new app has launched in Manchester that gives revellers the chance to jump the queue at some of the city’s most popular nightspots.

Viper has launched on iOS and Android after the entrepreneurial trio behind the business were inspired to create the lifestyle app after being turned away from a bar in Spinningfields in Manchester city centre.

Co-founders Craig Gidley, Craig Davies and Stephen Powell have signed initial agreements with Epernay, Bijou, Be At One and Living Room to allow punters to buy drinks or secure VIP entry into their venues in real-time through their smartphones.

The self-funded startup, which is due to launch later this August, will aim to give drinkers ‘unrivalled access’ to exclusive offers from their favourite bars according to Davies, who has even grander visions of the app evolving in the coming years.

He said: “We feel there is nothing coming close to what we are offering and our links to the best bars in Manchester will ensure users have unrivalled access to exclusive upgrades during their night out.

“Whether you need to find the best bars, have drinks ready on arrival, find which bars have VIP booths available or simply need a queue jump, Viper will let you do this from the palm of your hand.

“Although Viper is predominantly an app to allow people to find the best bars, we see it evolving into a very social app.”

Initially launching in Manchester, the three co-founders hope to launch in further UK cities once that app has established itself with Davies pointing towards the benefits for both bars and punters as the keys to its potential successes.

He added: “No longer will users have to message a bar on Twitter or phone them up days in advance to book VIP – Viper lets you do it on the night.

“From a bar’s perspective, Viper loyalty points will mean they can make more informed decisions on who they let in through their doors and at the same time push exciting messages to customers in the local area.”