Statement on behalf of Pubs of Ulster regarding All You Can Drink Promotions

20 September 2012

Following the announcement today that Minister for Social Development, Nelson McCausland has decided to ban ‘all you can drink’ for a fixed price promotions, Colin Neill, chief executive of Pubs of Ulster, said:

“Pubs of Ulster welcomes the announcement to ban ‘all you can drink’ promotions as it marks another significant step forward in bringing an end to irresponsible practices within the industry.

“Ensuring that alcohol is responsibly promoted and sold has always been a high priority for Pubs of Ulster and we have been at the forefront of calls for legislative change on all forms of irresponsible promotions for some time.  Whilst ‘all you can drink’ promotions are rare and the majority of licensees continually demonstrate best practice in this area, we do recognise that there are some premises that choose to offer such promotions.  This will no longer be tolerated and we will ensure all licensees are aware of the change in the law before it comes into effect early next year.

“This latest move also complements the work being done within the industry to combat irresponsible practices; especially the Responsible Retailing Code NI, which came into effect at the start of September.  We believe the code will help reinforce any legislation introduced by the Minister and ultimately tackle the issue of irresponsible promotions going forward.

“Pubs of Ulster is also encouraged to see that Minister McCausland has recognised the role supermarkets now play in the sale of alcohol in Northern Ireland.  We hope that measures to control the price of bulk purchases of alcohol in supermarkets will also help address the wider issue of alcohol misuse and abuse.”