One of the world's biggest drug companies has been suspended from its UK trade organisation after two of its employees went with a doctor to a lap dancing club and for providing other extensive hospitality.

Abbott Laboratories has admitted providing senior hospital consultants with tickets to the Wimbledon tennis tournament and trips to greyhound racing. As a result the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry has decided to suspend the company's membership for a minimum of six months—the severest penalty handed out by the organisation in 10 years.

In its ruling on 10 …