Alcohol Concern snap survey shows irresponsible drinks offers still commonplace across the country

Sunday 21st May 2006

Alcohol Concern snap survey shows irresponsible drinks offers still commonplace across the country

On the eve of new licensing laws? six-month anniversary, Alcohol Concern?s snap survey shows that irresponsible drinks promotions are still commonplace across the country.

Six months on from the introduction of new licensing laws, and a year after the beer and pub industry declared that happy hours had been ?banned?, a snap survey by leading charity Alcohol Concern has shown that pubs, bars and clubs across the country are continuing to run irresponsible drinks promotions.

Tomorrow, Alcohol Concern will be raising their concerns about the continued presence of irresponsible drinks offers on the high street with the British Beer and Pub Association, who launched their own code a year ago to curb irresponsible drinks promotions, and with the Bar, Entertainment and Dance Association. The charity?s snap survey found an array of offers up and down the country that are likely to promote excessive drinking, particularly amongst vulnerable groups such as young people and problem-drinkers.

Srabani Sen, Alcohol Concern?s Chief Executive, said:

?Our survey has barely scratched the surface of the problem, yet we have easily found irresponsible drinks promotions in major cities across the country, including 2-for-1 offers, and shots of spirits on sale for as little as fifty pence. We are keen to work with the drinks trade in partnership to put an end to these irresponsible promotions.?

The charity?s snap survey of 9 cities found pubs and bars running the following irresponsible drinks promotions:

Birmingham ? Snobs nightclub ? shots 50p until midnight
London ? the Boardwalk ? 2-for-1 on wine, spirits and cocktails
Leeds ? Flares ? £1.25 for pints of lager, shots or bottled drinks
Wolverhampton ? the Fox and Goose ? doubles from £1.54
Coventry ? the Colosseum ? all drinks for 50p
Brighton ? Casablanca Jazz Club ? tequila for £1
Sheffield ? the Hare and Hounds ? spirits for £1
Hull ? Spiders ? shots of spirits for 60p
Liverpool ? Liverpool Guild of Students ? selected beers and doubles spirits for £1

ENDS

Alcohol Concern is the national agency on alcohol misuse. We work to reduce the incidence and cost of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of services available to people with alcohol-related problems and their families.

Notes to editors:

· For all enquiries or to speak to Srabani Sen, please contact the Alcohol Concern Press Office on 020 7928 7377 or 07866 063 013 or email press@alcoholconcern.org.uk.

Date: 21 May 2006