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Licensees call for consistent management of drinks promos
Thu 24 Jun 2010
A group representing owners of licensed premises in Manchester has called for a consistent approach to drinks promotions from local authorities.
According to the Manchester Pub and Club Network, establishments are receiving mixed messages from the city council about what deals are allowed under existing laws.
Speaking to the Morning Advertiser, chairman Haydn Pope said some venues are being censured by environmental health for running two-for-one drinks promotions.
However, he stated that others are escaping punishment for selling individual drinks at low prices such as £1.
This is despite the fact that licensees have already been advised by the police and the council licensing department that neither type of promotion breaches the law.
Mr Pope described the situation as farcical and said victimising certain pubs and clubs in this way cannot be defended.
He has called for a meeting with the council's licensing officials to discuss ways of reining in the activities of environmental health, whom he accused of twisting and manipulating rules on irresponsible drinks promotions.
Robert Botkai, a partner at Winckworth Sherwood Solicitors, commented: "If you are in any doubt as to what constitutes a legal promotion do contact me for advice."
This comes after Chief Constable Jon Stoddart, a licensing official at the Association of Chief Police Officers, said the group is "not yet convinced" of the link between reducing violent crime and minimum prices for alcohol.
