Wetherspoons hits back over 99p pint furore

JD Wetherspoon has hit back at criticism over its 99p pint offer, arguing the promotion is "far from irresponsible".

The pub chain launched the offer on Monday which includes a pint of Greene King IPA for 99p and bottle of San Miguel for the same price.

But the group has come under fire for the move.

Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations, said the offer did the trade "no good at all", especially in future arguments over pricing in supermarkets. "It's leaving us open to attack from the health lobby," he added.

Mike Craik, the Association of Chief Police Officers lead on licensing, has also reportedly said he was "deeply concerned" by the promotion.

And readers of thepublican.com have also vented their spleen over the deal.

But a spokesman for Wetherspoon argued the company was behaving responsibly.

"Selling a pint of Greene King IPA for 99p, which is generally favoured by an older group, is far from irresponsible," he said. "If we were selling an alcopop or strong lager at this price it would be an issue."

He added that Wetherspoon's pubs were "extremely well run" and highlighted a host of industry awards the company had won.

He reiterated that the promotion would run "indefinitely". "The customers like it, the majority are responsible, and it's them we are appealing to," he added.

Greene King Brewing Company boss Justin Adams previously said he was "extremely disappointed" by the promotion.