Banbury bars in all-inclusive war
An all-inclusive price war has begun in Banbury, with two bars running the deals in the Oxfordshire market town.
It has been blamed on a rise in cut-price deals at bars, such as drinks for under £1 and 50p shots when another drink is ordered, plus cheap supermarket alcohol.
Chicago Rock Cafe on Broad Street has an all-inclusive deal for £10. It includes a free buffet and drinks can be ordered every 15 minutes.
The venue, owned by 3D Entertainment, also advertises 99p drinks at selected times on Wednesdays and Fridays. Venus, also on Broad Street, charges £15 for entry on Saturdays. Customers can order one free drink from a selected list, mainly RTDs, every 20 minutes.
Venus owner Jack Michael said the events are "very controlled" and people who are drunk or suspected of causing problems are barred.
"It's become a very competitive market," he said. "A lot of venues in the area, given the current climate, are doing ridiculous offers.
"We decided that this [promotion] would attract more people into the venue, but we're extremely selective about the people we let in." Michael said he would take up the "problem" of cheap drinks in the town with police and the council.
Banbury licensee Rose Fisher, of the Three Pigeons in Southam Road, said cheap deals and all-inclusives "can encourage younger drinkers to go over the top". But she said pre-loading with alcohol from supermarkets is "as big a problem".
Fisher said the local pubwatch, which promotes good communication between venues via radios, helps keep problems at bay. Police said there had been no increase in disorder since the promotions were launched.
