Drinks Promotions Statement

07 February 2012

Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Pubs of Ulster said:

"Pubs of Ulster has been working for some time to ensure that the sale and promotion of alcohol is done in a way that promotes responsible consumption.

"What we have seen in recent weeks however is irresponsible promotion that would appear to encourage the misuse of alcohol, not dissimilar to below-cost selling of alcohol by supermarkets.

"We've been working with the major late night venues in Belfast to agree to a more responsible way of approaching these promotions and with one notable exception, we have achieved this. For the next number of weeks, that voluntary practice will be adhered to by a range of venues, however, one premises has refused to change its practices and as a result, we cannot get universal agreement on this issue. However, we will continue to work with the club that has not signed up to this agreement and all of our members, to ensure that the promotion of alcohol is done in a responsible way.

"We will also continue to work with the Minister and his department to develop effective measures to outlaw all irresponsible promotions and will also be looking at our internal rules to see if we can expel any member that is involved in these irresponsible promotions."