'Pub chains flouting their own rules on responsible drinking'

27 July, 2008

Pub chains are flouting their own rules on responsible drinking by selling double measures of spirits cheaper than singles, offering two-for-one promotions and holding happy hours where prices are slashed. Several chains have introduced voluntary measures aimed at tackling binge drinking, which has been blamed for a rising tide of violence and anti-social behaviour. However a Sunday Times investigation has revealed that, while many chains declare that they promote responsible drinking, they are running promotions that encourage customers to drink more. Mitchells and Butlers (M&B), the UK’s leading operator of managed pubs, and Belhaven were among those found to be selling spirit doubles cheaper than single measures. Jack Law, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, added: “It simply fuels the real problem we have with binge drinking in Scotland. We are completely opposed to low-cost promotions and very concerned that this is happening.” A spokeswoman for M&B said: “It would appear that a process error in a recent Red Bull promotion in two of our pubs has resulted in this inadvertently being outside our policy guidelines. We take any breach of our policy very seriously and have taken immediate steps to end the promotion in these pubs.” Stuart Ross, managing director of Belhaven, said that the promotion at the City Walls pub was a mistake and that it would be withdrawn immediately. “We don’t have happy hours. We are very conscious of the fact that alcohol is a drug, it has an impact on people’s behaviour, and we do not price it in a cheap way to attract the bottom end of the market.” – Sunday Times

SAT-NAV bosses have been blasted for encouraging motorists to drive – then drink. US firm Garmin is selling maps which direct customers to the nearest pub, offering motorists the chance to download The Good Pub Guide 2008 to their Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. Customers can browse through the list of more than 5000 watering holes across the UK, looking for pubs that are on their route. Once punters have selected a pub, their sat-nav will direct them straight to the door. Garmin's website states: "It's easy to choose and navigate to a good pub." Margaret Decker, of the Scottish Campaign against Irresponsible Drivers, said: "It is irresponsible to offer customers directions to pubs. Police campaign to stop drink-driving but the number caught doesn't seem to be falling." – Glasgow Sunday Mail