UK: Binge drink happy hour promotions banned by beer and pub industry

Companies that own more than 32,000 of the UK’s 59,000 pubs and produce 98 % of the nation’s beer have outlawed happy hour promotions that encourage binge drinking, alcohol misuse and fuel anti-social behaviour, The British Beer and Pub Association posted on March 23.

The industry has agreed rigorous new standards for drinks promotions and happy hours. The new standards, which both the Government and Police have said they would welcome, make clear that irresponsible promotions have no place in the UK’s beer and pub industry.

“Offers like pay £10 on the door and all drinks are free; drinking games; and schemes that encourage people to drink too much too quickly have no place in our sector and we are determined to stamp them out. With the backing of the Government, the Police and Licensing Authorities across the UK we aim to ensure that all pubs operate to these standards of corporate and community social responsibility,” said Mark Hastings, Director of Communications, BBPA.

“Responsible promotions do have an important role to play in a pub business and are in the interests of consumers,” continued Mr Hastings. “Irresponsible promotions damage the reputation of the sector, drive down quality and standards and have no place in a well-managed licensed business. The companies that have signed up to these standards are determined to play a leading role in improving practice throughout the industry”

The British Beer and Pub Association is the UK’s leading organisation representing the brewing and pub sector. Its members account for 98% of the beer brewed in the UK and own nearly two thirds of Britain’s 59,000 pubs.

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