A drunk student was warned of the perils of alcohol as he was ordered to pay £500 to a man left with a scarred face.
The injury was caused by a single punch thrown by George Hawkins, 19, in Baa Bar, in Hockley, city magistrates heard.
He had downed two cocktails, vodka and a pint of beer before the incident began with a push in the crowded bar, the court was told.
That prompted presiding magistrate Stephen Dowling to tell him: "Nottingham is a great place for students and a great place to go out at nights.
"But in your case, it all went wrong. You drank far too much and that is something students do but you are the one in court as a result.
"You confronted someone and he was scarred for life. That is absolutely unacceptable and you could have gone to prison."
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But the three JPs decided to order him to do 250 hours unpaid work because he pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm on March 2.
As well as the compensation, Hawkins must pay £85 prosecution costs and an identical figure as a government surcharge.
Daniel Pietryka, prosecuting, said the injured man was struck under the left eye while out celebrating a friend's birthday. The wound needed six stitches.
The incident was caught on CCTV. Hawkins had never been in trouble before, added Mr Pietryka.
Paul Wright, mitigating, said the offence could hamper the career of Hawkins, of Old Hall Drive, Mapperley Park.
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He is currently undergoing a construction course at Salford University and plans to study for a degree and become a quantity surveyor.
"He said he was pushed, the other male responded and he threw a punch. It is not an incident he feels particularly good about. He expresses remorse.
"On another day, on another week, this may have resulted in a caution being issued by the police. This is a 19-year-old who has never been in trouble before.
"The lesson has been learnt in terms of drink - it has hit home. He has lost his good character and he knows the impact.
"It is something which will be recorded on a job application and there is the effect on his future career. That will stay with him for a very long time," added Mr Wright who said Hawkins had been "medicated for anxiety."
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