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Monday, 2nd November 2009 Change Date Latest Issue

Pubs and clubs call time early on cheap booze deals

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Published Date: 06 April 2009
By FAY SINCLAIR
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.

Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 06 April 2009 11:12 AM
  • Source: Edinburgh Evening News
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Alcohol & binge drinking
 
1

alfonsa pedrosa,

embra 06/04/2009 12:20:06
Dirty rotten spoilsorts.
2

Bigwull,

edinburgh 06/04/2009 12:26:35
Isn't life under a Wee Free influenced government miserable, funny I thought this legislation was supposed to be aimed at the supermarkets not the final death knell for the pubs, I'm sure there will be plenty of free bars in the parliament though.
3

Alternative (High-Octane) Fuel Head,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 12:27:30
"It is yet another example of Unight leading the way in improving the late-night economy in Edinburgh."

No.

It is yet another example of the nazi state taking over Scotland.

Just when are people going to open their eyes and realise that one-by-one, our freedoms and rights are being withdrawn in favour of nazism?
4

Disco Dave,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 12:32:05
Sensible drinking policy or the end of competitive pricing?

People will still drink as much, it'll just cost a bit more. As long as they can afford to of course.
5

Duncan in Edinburgh,

06/04/2009 12:32:10
#3 There are freedoms being eroded in this country, but the freedom to drink is not a high priority for me. Privacy, freedom of protest, freedom from religion - these are important freedoms which the present government isn't very good at defending. But freedom to get drunk in public? Only an idiot would throw terms like "Nazi" around to defend that.
6

Randan,

06/04/2009 12:37:28
#3 Yes I believe the Human Rights Act Section 3, Subsection 17 says:
'It is everyone's human right to have cheap bevvy by the barrowload.'

Another moronic comment by Petrol head.
7

Linmal,

Livingston 06/04/2009 12:44:01
I just think it is reggrettable that yet again the majority are penalised for the sake of a minority. There is nothing wrong in a wee drink to be sociable, I know there are those who have never heard of this concept, but if that is their lifestyle they will always find the money to pursue it and, in the meantime, the innocent majority will suffer as well.
8

Ecto,

06/04/2009 12:47:28
Is it me or has this website gone mad today, why is there no news in the news section and news from 2002 on the front page?
9

Duncan in Edinburgh,

06/04/2009 12:54:09
#7 And who is stopping you having a wee drink to be sociable? If you're price conscious, go to one of the low-price (but sterile atmosphere) places like Wetherspoons or Lloyds. If you're prepared to pay a bit more for a decent place to enjoy a drink, there are still more pubs per head in Edinburgh than just about anywhere else in the country.

Nobody's being made to "suffer".
10

elayne,

06/04/2009 12:56:44
couldnt care less,i dont drink
11

Ecto,

06/04/2009 12:57:29
why not impose tougher bigger fines for those who get pissed casued trouble and puke all over the streets. Educate people on drink at schools and cut down on the number of places selling booze surely this joined up approach would reduce alcohol harm more than pottering about with the edges of stuff and it hits those who cause grief with the bill rather than the rest of us. Why does the chippy need a booze licence, because the cooncil can make money out of them each year thats why!
12

Sumpplareasswholes,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 12:59:49
What the article doesnt say is that some of them have reduced their prices. Therefore those that dont go to these places on a 'student' night will benefit from better pricing.
The supermarkets continue to get away with providing 2L of cider for less that a quid which the bams drink and then head into town and cause grief for responsible Licensees.
Kenny, do something NOW and give us a level playing field.
13

nSyratzcGlaw,

06/04/2009 13:01:41
It's the old story duncan. those in denial about their drinking habits start shouting about a Nazi state because they cant get reeking *quite so easily* as before.

Quite depressing really.
14

nSyratzcGlaw,

06/04/2009 13:03:34
linmal strikes me as someone who complains about not being able to drink cheaply but only enjoys "a wee drink" on a friday night (half her wages gone).

Then has to live in a Lidl house and drink even more to combat the stress of being a schemie.
15

A Friend of Fernando Poo,

06/04/2009 13:04:43
#3: They're nationalist socialists. What did you expect?
16

Duncan in Edinburgh,

06/04/2009 13:10:00
#15 Well I certainly didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition!
17

blackley,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 13:11:49
#3 The use of the word "nazi" is incorrect in this case. Go back to school and read some history.
18

Alternative (High-Octane) Fuel Head,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 13:12:27
Duncan,

By the time you get around to realising what is happening, it will be too late. It started with the smoking ban. You don't smoke so you're not bothered about that. Now they have moved on to drinking. Once again, you don't drink much so that couldn't bother you less. Next will be fatty foods. I am assuming that that will not bother you as you are no doubt a fully fledged macrobiotic vegan. Then will come salt, then sugar... and so it will go on until our lives are totally controlled by stupid nanny state rules. Believe me mate, people like you are a large part of this problem.

#6:

...and so are you Randan. When you understand the argument, feel free to comment. Until then, shut up.
19

scotsol,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 13:12:50
I'm all in favour of pub culture and conviviality, but I can't say that the cheap-drink boozers will be any great loss. I went into The Standing Order a few months ago and was frankly appalled. It was like a Hieronymus Bosch painting come to life.
20

nSyratzcGlaw,

06/04/2009 13:13:00
Drink as much as you can - and you too could end up looking like the fat brainless mingers in todays photo.
21

nSyratzcGlaw,

06/04/2009 13:13:39
18 Do you honestly believe that people will not be allowed to eat sugar ?
22

Alternative (High-Octane) Fuel Head,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 13:18:12
#17:

If I am correct, the Nazis in Germany in the 1930s set out to oppress, restrict freedom and control behaviour by whatever means they could.

In other words, they were doing then, precisely what stupid labour and the SNP are doing now.

If you are daft enough to think that I am comparing death camps and genocide to modern regulations on smoking and drinking then you really do need to start using that little brain of yours.

Try reading about what the Nazis were doing from 1933 to 1938. Then read between the lines of the same and compare it with reading between the lines of what is going on now. I can assure you, you will struggle to find many differences.
23

nSyratzcGlaw,

06/04/2009 13:19:12
22 Petrol head. Shut up.
24

hibbeegreensmoke,

06/04/2009 13:21:50
22 you are a complete tube

put it up to 25 and dont let any of the wee scum that inhabit this city drink
25

Alternative (High-Octane) Fuel Head,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 13:22:42
#21:

If you asked me 10 years ago if I thought that they would ban smoking in pubs, I would have laughed in your face.

Now that has happened.

Ever since, we have seen more and more oppression and the loonies are being listened to more and more. there is already a crusade being mustered against sugar and salt and to be brutally frank, I wouldn't be surprised at all if in 10-15 years time, sugar was either not available to the private individual or was stricty rationed.

Such is the nazi state.
26

Foo,

06/04/2009 13:23:03
I'm an anti Nazi, Nazi; i.e. I hate Nazi's, like a Nazi.
27

Alternative (High-Octane) Fuel Head,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 13:24:50
#24:

If you cannot see what is happening to this country, I suggest that YOU are in fact the "tube".
28

nSyratzcGlaw,

06/04/2009 13:27:32
Meanwhile back in the real world, those who arent nazis - and think that drinking until you cant drink anymore and puking outside a chippy arent normal - welcomed the move but wondered what the catch was as these places basically exist to
A)get them in
B) get them drunk
c) turn them loose.
29

Foo,

06/04/2009 13:28:46
What effect will this move have on the kebab service industries?
30

totally indecent,

06/04/2009 13:28:57
Actually I'm with fuel-head on this one.
31

scotsol,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 13:29:09
#25 - you're picking the wrong battle here. Like you, I'm horrified by this government's constant attacks on our civil liberties, and I'll go to prison before I carry an ID card, but I don't have a problem about a government trying to encourage healthy eating and drinking.
32

nSyratzcGlaw,

06/04/2009 13:36:00
31 over here in mainland europe we all carry ID cards (or we're supposed to). Trust me, you'd carry one because you'd look pretty stupid sitting in jail whilst we all go about our business.
33

Duncan in Edinburgh,

06/04/2009 13:37:22
#18 There is a gaping, embarrassing hole in your logic, because I *do* drink, and I *did* smoke (and my diet is about as far away from macrobiotic vegan is it is possible to be).

Nobody is being banned from drinking.

Read that to yourself again, because I'm sure it won't have gone in the first time.

You are funny, with your over-reactions and dire warnings. I'm trying to picture how you might react if someone actually *did* ban drinking - like they banned heroin - rather than just introduce a very mild restriction to curb recent marketing wheezes by the big alcohol pushers. You wouldn't really have anywhere to go, would you? Like the boy who cried wolf.

Your answer to drunken yobs is more policing. I say prevention is better than cure. And it looks like a lot of other people think so too.
34

Duncan in Edinburgh,

06/04/2009 13:40:55
#32 Ah, don't be fooled - the UK's "ID cards" proposals are far, far more than just the sort of ID card used on the continent. It's the database, you see - a single point of failure, the individual is liable (to jail time!) if the information is wrong, and the "strictly limited" sets of people with access to the data includes about 4.5 million individuals, from across the private as well as the public sector.

Added to which, it won't work, because it is dependent on a perfectly secure biometric model which simply doesn't exist, and couldn't be designed even for another £25 billion.
35

nSyratzcGlaw,

06/04/2009 13:42:31
34 Okay, I'm blissfully unaware off the UK's proposals but it does sound like the kind of arsey thing they would do.
36

Rosie,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 13:43:03
It's the cheap booze at the supermarkets that's the biggest problem, it shouldn't be too much cheaper than the pubs. Some, not all, get drunk BEFORE going out to the pub these days.
37

Des Gruntled,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 13:43:23
Let's be honest, this will have little or no affect on the number of drunks on the streets or associated crime or health statistics in Edinburgh. How many can even say they take advantage of 2 for 1 offers every time they go out! Hardly and infringement of liberties!

38

Tam,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 13:47:16
Tackle the anti-social behaviour, not the drinks.
I've certainly been able to go out and enjoy a few 2for1 drinks offers without resorting to falling into a come or smashing up a bus shelter.
39

Tam,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 13:47:51
Should read coma, not come. Sorry. Pished again.
40

elayne,

06/04/2009 13:49:49
haha,#20,,spot on!you too could fall about,puking,peeing yourself,make up running down face,swearing at passers by,singing"angels"in a p*ssed nasal whine,while you struggle to maintain any dignity as you fall out of your too small dress
41

Alternative (High-Octane) Fuel Head,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 13:51:56
Duncan,

It might surprise you to know that these restrictions to curb "alcohol pushers" (whoever they may be) are unlikely to have much affect on me---at the moment.

However, once inroads are made into this kind of thing, then stand by for some really opressive measures, that WILL hit the majority, in due course. What I am trying to do is to highlight this BEFORE it gets to the stage where the nazis have total control. Kicking back at it NOW and making it unpopular will protect us against further serious infringements of personal liberty---like the smoking ban for instance.

One question... Why did you give up smoking?
42

nSyratzcGlaw,

06/04/2009 13:55:47
Falling into a come is about the only way those birds pictured would ever get lucky.

Petrolhead - thanks for making us aware of the totalitarian future that awaits us (first sign , ending of two for one drinks offers).
43

Duncan in Edinburgh,

06/04/2009 13:58:07
#41 I gave up smoking for a few inter-related reasons - moving in with my other half, wanting to be more healthy, wanting to save money.
44

FrankGallagher,

06/04/2009 13:59:01
wheres wee prestwick luggage boy - oot havin a fag?
45

Daisy from Sunny Leith,

06/04/2009 14:15:10
#41 Why blame the govt when it is a group of pubs and clubs have chosen out of there own free will to introduce these measures months before they become law? They appear to be embracing the legislation rather than protesting against it.
46

Peter - very disappointed/concerned,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 14:26:09
Over the next few months, it will be interesting to see how much damage this ban will do to the business enjoyed by the 40 or so licensed premises in the Unight scheme.

While excessive drinking is obviously a problem, as many have said here the troublemakers are the ones who should be 'hit' and not the rest of the population who drunk or sober do not cause chaos and are not violent.

My own feeling is that these measures are political suicide for the parties introducing them and I am seriously of the opinion that the SNP do not want a second term of office at Hoyrood, they are most certainly not going to get one thanks to this piece of legislation and others which they have withdrawn or which have failed (Council Tax, more police on the beat, etc etc).

47

Statsman,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 14:28:37
Another reason to stay at home.

The government sees going to pubs as a way of re-educating people. It used to be about relaxing and a bit of fun.

You can't smoke. The drinking is being heavily restricted. What's the point?

I suppose the purpose for the government is that when all the pubs are closed, there will be few places to meet fellow citizens and discuss the general poor state of governance in the country.
48

nSyratzcGlaw,

06/04/2009 14:32:08
46 Peter, go on explain how you differentiate between people in a pub who may cause trouble and those who may not.

As has been explained a million times, if you are a moderate drinker initiatives like this will not affect you.

I'm quite suprised to learn that you are a clubbing man.
49

nSyratzcGlaw,

06/04/2009 14:33:46
46 once youve worked out how to differentiate between those who may and may not cause trouble, perhaps you can explain how you will then implement the different pricing structures.

I'm quite dissapointed and concerned with you.
50

Statsman,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 14:35:57
46 Peter - very disappointed/concerned

Well said.

The Maxwell, Robison and MacAskill trio are making them unelectable with their obsession with dictating to the public how to live their lives.

I thought Salmond would have the sense to shut them up. Now it appears Salmond is giving up any chance of independence in order to serve their egos.

I won't be voting for them again. Liberty comes first. Meddling and interfering are vote losers.
51

Statsman,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 14:40:57
45 Daisy from Sunny Leith

What if it is to prove that the rules simply reduce business so that the law might not implemented?

It's government rules and regulations. Even if it is early, it was going to happen anyway because the government says so.
52

Duncan in Edinburgh,

06/04/2009 14:48:05
#46 "ban"

#47 "drinking is being heavily restricted"

What story are you guys reading? Seriously, this is a group of businesses deciding to rid themselves of an unwanted, more-trouble-than-they're-worth class of binge drinkers. No sensible person will be affected in the slightest. You can still get cheap drink - go to a cheap bar!
53

Statsman,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 14:54:32
52 Duncan in Edinburgh

Where have you been? The medical advisors have been proposing ration cards for alcohol. This is the thin edge of the wedge.

I suppose someone as in favour of trams as you is beyond the point of reason. :/
54

Duncan in Edinburgh,

06/04/2009 15:02:47
#53 Sorry, no it isn't the thin end of the wedge, and you and petrolhead need to get that into your skulls.

Alcohol sales are *already* licensed, and licensees are *already* subject to a whole raft of restrictions. Advertising alcohol is *already* subject to a range of laws. The locations, times and methods of alcohol sales are *already* controlled by government.

Alcohol sales is a heavily regulated industry. It is right that it should remain so, and that adjustments be made to ensure that alcohol abuse is minimised.

These are not draconian new restrictions, nor the thin end of any wedge - they are just logical measures to combat the growth of binge drinking.
55

Statsman,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 15:03:53
52 Duncan in Edinburgh

Duncan on ID Cards:

"What story are you guys reading? Seriously, this is the government deciding to rid themselves of an unwanted illegal immigrants and more-trouble-than-they're-worth terrorists. No sensible person will be affected in the slightest. You can still go where you want and do what you want within the law!"

Do you see how meaningless your arguments are? You have no libertarian ethos to back up your belief system so you can't see any equivalence.

56

Peter - very disappointed/concerned,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 15:04:24
#48&49

There are already measures in place where door/security staff turn away known offenders, details/photographs of these people are circulated amongst clubs, discos, etc, I guess the Unight group make use of this anyway.

To a large extent you can't, in advance, "differentiate between people in a pub who may cause trouble and those who may not" but after an incident has occurred, troublemakers should be more heavily fined (or jailed) and perhaps be put on something like the sex offenders register. This information could be circulated amongst licenced businesses who would then have the chance to turn away these individuals.

Whether a moderate drinker or not, I think we can safely say that we all like a bargain, the 2 for 1 offers are a cash saving, especially for students or those on low incomes.

#59 Statsman,

Like you I won't be supporting the SNP again, they are becoming too 'Wee Free' and dictatorial, e.g. smoking ban, now wanting to control the cost of alcohol - what have they got in mind for the haggis?

57

Statsman,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 15:05:21
54 Duncan in Edinburgh

ID cards are not draconian new restrictions, nor the thin end of any wedge - they are just logical measures to combat the growth of terrorism.
58

nSyratzcGlaw,

06/04/2009 15:09:11
56 I'm not going to intelllectualise about measures to cut down scotlands binge drinking.

If you cant work out that
A)theres a problem
B) We might have to do something about it
C)You might have to make a small change in your lifestyle , which you should accept on the understanding that its not all about you.

The we're going nowhere chum.
59

Peter - very disappointed/concerned,

06/04/2009 15:10:23
52 Duncan in Edinburgh

'ban' = removal of promotional offers, happy hours, etc. Which article were you reading?

I may not wish to go to 'a cheap bar' I might want to go to a licenced disco with music, lights, beautiful women, etc Why should these businesses either volunteer or be forced to remove cut-price alcohol?


60

Duncan in Edinburgh,

06/04/2009 15:13:45
#55, #57 I'm sure you think you're being clever but there is no equivalence between the two issues. And don't presume to tell me what my "belief system" is.

My objections to the ID database state are logical and practical. It will not achieve what its proponents claim it will achieve - it will do nothing to stop terrorism, or illegal immigration - and it will not function in the way they claim it will - there is no such thing as perfect security, and the creation of a single point of failure is a disastrous security approach.

This story is about a set of proposals to remove one level of temptation from a binge drinker - that in these bars, when they go for a vodka and coke it won't be just as cheap for them to get a double vodka and coke. That they won't be rewarded for drinking more.
61

Duncan in Edinburgh,

06/04/2009 15:16:49
#59 They won't be forced to remove cut-price alcohol!

All of these places will stock a cheapie brand of vodka, and a cheapie brand of whisky, and you'll end up paying the same amount for the same amount of booze. But what they won't be doing is making it as cheap to get a double as a single, or pressurizing you to get two drinks in before the happy hour ends. They'll set their prices, and you'll make your choices.
62

Peter - very disappointed/concerned,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 15:19:45
58 nSyratzcGlaw

Well 'chum' I think I am quite aware that there are a lot of problems caused by alcohol (as with drugs, gambling, etc, etc).

There is sufficient legislation in place to cope with the violent/vandal drunk and it needs to be used more strictly and without interference from social workers and do-gooders who try to influence penalties and judgements delivered by the Courts.

Punish the guilty and provide them with 'support' afterwards if it's becessary and if it is really chronic drinking which is their problem. Leave the greater majority who drunk or sober behave themselves. let us enjoy the benefits of price reductions.



63

Statsman,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 15:22:17
60 Duncan in Edinburgh

How do you know these proposals will stop binge drinking? You are just guessing and you don't go to a pub to unwind at the end of the week to unwind so it doesn't bother you. You don't care about liberty.

ID cards are already being proposed as a way of restricting movement within the UK. Surely, since you are a Green commie, that would make you happy? Less journeys means less CO2. Don't you lot believe that will save the planet?

Ahh but, green protesters that chain themselves to airport runways and cost the economy huge amounts of money will be tracked more easily. Isn't that the real reason you oppose ID cards?
64

Duncan in Edinburgh,

06/04/2009 15:29:32
#63 I didn't say that I knew these proposals would stop binge drinking - because I don't. I'd be very surprised if they did, in fact. But they may reduce its effects. What I said was "This story is about a set of proposals to remove one level of temptation from a binge drinker". Do you understand the difference?

You seem to think you know a lot about me, most of which is rubbish. As it happens I'm a real ale man, and I'm prepared to pay a little extra for a decent pint and a sit down. I don't drink to excess. And I'm neither Green nor a commie.

This isn't about "liberty". It's about removing temptation from those too stupid to resist it on their own. And your arguments are not libertarian, they are crass, and tissue-thin.
65

Disgrunted Ebardonian,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 15:32:09
Why don't they introduce prohibition and have done with it. cant wai for the Obesity law to come in.
66

nSyratzcGlaw,

06/04/2009 15:33:16
62 Prevention is better than cure.
67

nSyratzcGlaw,

06/04/2009 15:35:06
Only scots could complain about lack of liberty because they cant get cheap bevvy.

You shoudl actually be ashamed of yourselves, as it is you're showing classic signs of mental addiction.

For the millionth and one time, if you dont drink to excess this makes no difference to you, and frankly Peter at 64 you wouldnt go anywhere near these establishments.

You are whinging for whingings sake.
68

im brian and so is my wife,

edinburgh 06/04/2009 15:39:34
drink all you want i have never minded,but what i do not like is comming out onto the street in the morning,and finding some berk has been shouting on hughie and ralph
its all over the ground,technicolour yawn,looking like picaso had done a portrait outside your door
bits of salad,kebab and those bloody diced carrots,plus the reek and in summer the swarms of flies
if you must shout on hughie and ralph ,then do it in a hedge or betteer still wait till yer hame
69

im brian and so is my wife,

edinburgh 06/04/2009 15:40:58
better typo honest im not dunk
70

James (1),

06/04/2009 16:07:00
Tell me if I'm wrong? Now instead of me going up town and paying for 8 pints but drinking 16 pints (cause I am not going to refues the buy one get one free,am I?) then falling over, being sick (sometimes)and urinating (always) in a doorway I am now going to have to pay for the full 16 pints. They must be Nazis!
I don't think I will buy 16 pints so they are the losers!
71

James (1),

06/04/2009 16:10:22
The ID cards are a good idea though. If we get to throw those people who should not be in this country out, why its like the trams, worth it at any price!
72

me150,

06/04/2009 16:53:10
On of few things that the SNP have actually done right, good on them.
73

Incandescent,

06/04/2009 17:15:25
#16 Duncan

" Well I certainly didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition!"

Nobody does.
74

hibbywul,

06/04/2009 17:51:58
Happy hours, buy one get on free, 2 for 1, all offers or whatever you want to call them. We have all been one to one in the past (maybe some more recent than others). It is all down to self control and if an individual cant contol what he or she drinks, then unfortuantely it falls on the bar staff to inform (usually when making a purchase) "that'll be your last tonight pal" or something along those lines. It is difficult to do but is a must.

And if someon can no longer get 2 pints for £2.50 and only get 1, and this causes less fighting, spewing, p!shing in street etc then I am all for it.
75

Mr Twerp,

Haddington 06/04/2009 18:27:43
Instead of making more laws why don't they enforce the ones they already have? I believe it is an offence for a licensed establishment to serve someone who is clearly under the alfluence of incohol. If they did that then the rest of us would have no wuckin' furries about increased prices or hisspeads hassling us in the pub.
76

Douglas,

Bathgate 06/04/2009 19:48:15
Barry Ferguson, Alan McGregor, Paul Gascoigne, George Best, all professional athletes.
Can we really be sure that drinking to excess is a bad thing? :o)
77

Snails dont like curry and chips,

Edinburgh 06/04/2009 20:02:46
Anyone ever read Brave New World or 1984? We are surrendering ourselves to the know it alls and this simply cannot be good for future generations (or us)
78

Julian.,

edinburgh 06/04/2009 22:09:37
Duncan,

Sorry mate but you can't use the usual suspects who exagerrate on these forums to hide the fact that this is a blanket penalty on all drinkers, whether responsible or not. We're all now going to have to pay more to drink as a result of this scattergun approach.

And this is all emphasised by the fact that the establishments mentioned in this article are all clamouring to implement this legislation early so that they can inflate their profits.
79

Pumpkin,

06/04/2009 23:20:02
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..."

Surely, it's the owners and licensees of these premises that introduced the "irresponsible" promos anyway.
Additionally, my understanding has always been that, bar staff and licensees are LEGALLY obliged (under the terms of their licence) to refuse to serve anyone who they deem "unfit", or just reserve their right to refuse anyone a drink (as long as it's not due to gender, race or disability).
80

Julian.,

edinburgh 07/04/2009 02:24:21
#80,

Well spotted. What a complete joke. He's patting the organisation on the back for banning themselves from doing something which he/they consider irresponsible.

Tell you what I'm going to do this year. I'm going to take the big step of banning myself and others in my organisation from letting off fireworks in amongst crowds of people. What a hero.

David Edge, you and your organisation are just complete opportunists. This has nothing to do with encouraging irresponsible dtinking and everything to do with making more money.
81

Duncan in Edinburgh,

07/04/2009 10:43:24
#79 I don't think the price of drink in general is going up as a result of these changes. As I said, there is still cheap drink around, and pubs will still compete on price. But instead of special offers, they will just end up with a cheap vodka brand and a cheap whisky brand, and possibly a cheap lager. The positive thing from these moves is that people will no longer be given direct incentives to drink more - buy one get one free, and so on. But they will still be free to choose to drink to dangerous excess, despite all the comments above talking about bans and liberties.
82

Peter - very disappointed/concerned,

Edinburgh 07/04/2009 11:52:18
#66 & #67

What a load of old tripe!!

Remember prohibition in the pre WWII USA? That seems to me to be the road you (and 1 or 2 other posters) would like society to take. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but prohibition was anything but a success, except of course for the gangsters and booze-peddlars who made a fortune - a bit like the consistent failure of our police and other agencies to control the distribution and sale of drugs and narcotics in this country right now.


83

Julian.,

edinburgh 07/04/2009 22:46:14
Duncan,

If the price of individual drinks comes down then that will be an incentive to drink more by definition. Not much different from buy 1 get 1 free.

But the problem here is that as well as banning promotions, prices are going to be regulated to a minimum level per unit. This can only serve to boost the profits of bars and clubs and penalise responsible and irresponsible drinkers alike.
84

Mcewans 80/-,

08/04/2009 13:51:36
Well theres a lot of pubs closing down daily.But stopping cheap/drink/happy hours etc will close even more. Well done!
IDIOTS!
85

SeanUSX,

Edinburgh 12/04/2009 01:01:54
Its good to see these new rules been introduced early. However, I just noticed this on a description for an event on Facebook http://www.new.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179861195203 :

Boy Have We Got Something Special For You All On Bank Holiday Sunday…
For The First Time Ever…
Edinburgh’s Two Biggest Student Nights…
Go Head To Head…
In Edinburgh’s Only Superclub…
Five Hours Of Partying…
Two Thousand People…
With One Thing In Mind…

…To Get Well And Truely F*ked Up

This is all for a night at the beginning of May at CITY nightclub - oh wait, thats where David Edge is the manager of! Maybe the clubs should consider looking at the promotion companies that manage their nights before they agree to these rules, as this is in blatent defiance of them! David Edge - what a hypocrite!
86

SeanUSX,

Edinburgh 12/04/2009 01:03:21
Oh and I just want to make it clear, I don't agree with the new legestlation at all!

 

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