New price restrictions that have been laid down in Blackpool do not constitute a minimum drinks pricing scheme, according to a trade spokesman.
Lee Le Clercq, spokesman for the British Beer and Pub Association in the North West, said the Blackpool scheme was not on the same level as the minimum drinks pricing schemes that have been recently introduced in Bournemouth and Middlesbrough.
He said: "It would be unfair to use Blackpool as an example of a minimum drinks pricing scheme. What they are trying to do is eliminate some of the outrageous promotions that exist in Blackpool, like charging people a £5 entrance fee for free drinks all night.
"While we are not happy that outsiders are trying to impose price restrictions on our industry, this example is not going as far as other local authorities."
The price-fixing agreements are an attempt by local authorities to clamp down on drunken and anti-social behaviour in town centres. Many believe these problems are caused by irresponsible drinks promotions.
Local authorities cannot legally impose minimum drinks pricing schemes but agreements have been reached in Middlesbrough and Bournemouth between the authorities and bar owners.
According to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), pricing agreements made solely between bar owners constitute the formation of a cartel and therefore break the rules of the Competition Act.
However, voluntary agreements made between local authorities and pubs fall outside the jurisdiction of the act.
Related articles:
Trade supports irresponsible drink promo crackdown in Blackpool (15 August 2003)