Nightclubs in south Essex which charge higher entry rates for men have denied claims they are guilty of sexual discrimination and breaking the law.

Reduced entry rates for women have been common among nightclubs for years, and the new "all inclusive" trend of paying one price for all you can drink has heralded new price gaps.

In doing so the clubs are actually discriminating against men - a clear breach of the 1976 Equal Opportunities Act and a civil offence, according to the Equal Opportunities Commission.

Kim Scanlan, spokeswoman for the Equal Opportunities Commission, said the law was quite clear on the subject.

She said: "In Section 29 of the act it says you can't discriminate when offering goods or services to the public, and a man has a right to pursue it in the county courts if he wishes.

"Some women find it quite patronising to be let in at half price when they are on equal pay."

But Ms Scanlan admitted the law was held in low esteem by the courts - one case was branded a waste of public money by a judge.

Club owners claimed price differences for all inclusive nights reflected differences in consumption.

Kevin Chinnery, owner of Jack of Clubs in Lucy Road, Southend, has been offering inclusive nights at £20 for men and £15 for women on Saturdays.

He said: "There is in existence the odd woman who can out-drink a man, but nine times out of 10 a man will drink more. But if a woman wants to pay as much as a man they are more than welcome."

Along the road, Adlib nightclub is about to launch inclusive nights at £6 for women and £12 for men on a Friday.

Manager Glen Freeman said: "A lot of promotions are geared to guys more than girls, such as £1 per pint offers - here we are giving the girls something back.

"Our market research has led us to believe men drink more than women, and I can say hand on heart not once has a guy complained to us - £12 is still a very cheap night out."

Other clubs contacted, including Zero in Aviation Way Southend, and Tots in Lucy Road, Southend, said they had already discontinued different prices for men and women, and only members received discounts.

Ikon and Diva nightclubs in Basildon also said they charged the same for both men and women.

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