Pubs and clubs call time early on cheap booze deals

Published on Monday 6 April 2009 10:44

A NIGHT out in Edinburgh just got more expensive as pubs and clubs in the city became the first in Scotland to outlaw cheap drink promotions.

More than 40 licensed premises in the Unight scheme have agreed to the move, which will see an end to deals such as "buy one, get one free" and "double up for 1".

It is part of a Scottish Government-backed drive aimed at cracking down on excessive drinking and the policy is set to be rolled out across the country in five months when it becomes law.

David Edge, general manager of City nightclub and chairman of the Unight group, said: "In tough economic times the Unight member clubs have unanimously taken a big step in banning these irresponsible drinks promotions.

"This decision levels the playing field throughout the city and ensures that all venues focus on entertainment first and foremost to drive their business forward.

"It is yet another example of Unight leading the way in improving the late-night economy in Edinburgh."

The scheme means promotions such as door admission including alcohol, free or reduced-price alcohol with the purchase of one or more drinks, offers that encourage additional or excessive drinking, and alcoholic drinks vouchers will be banned from today.

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "There's no doubt that some of the promotions in pubs and clubs encourage people to buy and drink more alcohol. Some of them also encourage excessive drinking and fuel the drinking-to-get-drunk culture that's damaging Scotland.

"That's why it's great news that Edinburgh clubs in the Unight scheme are ripping up these drinks promotions."

The ban on such promotions will become law with the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, which takes effect from September 1 this year, marking the biggest change to Scotland's licensing laws in 30 years.

The new laws will also prevent bars and clubs offering unlimited amounts of alcohol for a fixed charge, and promotions which reward or encourage drinking alcohol quickly.

Mr MacAskill said: "The decision to focus on promoting clubs through the atmosphere and entertainment rather than lure people in with cheap deals is very responsible and is certainly something that I welcome.

"The fact that it's being done five months ahead of the law requiring it is a welcome sign that the industry is embracing the new Licensing Act."

The move follows widespread concern about the problems of binge-drinking and alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder in the Capital.

It is hoped the rules will improve Scotland's "unacceptable" position as the eighth-worst in the world for alcohol consumption.