Cheap drinks puts Irish host in hot seat

An Irish publican, who has slashed prices in a bid to regain business lost through the smoking ban, has been accused of contributing to alcohol abuse by young drinkers.

Sean McEniff claims his initiative, which offers "the cheapest drinks in Ireland" at a new pub and club in the County Donegal town of Bundoran, has been so successful that he may launch a chain of similar bars across the west of Ireland.

At weekends McEniff is now catering for up to 2,000 customers, some travelling by coach from neighbouring counties and others from across the border in Northern Ireland, reversing the trend since the smoking ban took effect last year.

All beers cost e2.50 (£1.70) a pint ­ e1 below the average price elsewhere ­ as do spirits and a glass of wine.

The smoking ban has "devastated the pub business" along the Irish border, he claims. "People who smoke have decided they don't want to pay high prices for drink and then have to stand outside the door to have a cigarette. If they are to be attracted back to the pubs, they must be given value for their money."

His "cheap drinks" plan has prompted matching price cuts by other licensees in the town.

Denis Bradley, deputy chairman of the Northern Ireland Police Authority, who heads a Donegal-Derry forum fighting alcohol abuse, said he was "saddened and angry that publicans would throw cheap alcohol at immature young people".