Manchester licensees have slammed the "contradictory" messages from different authorities in the city about which drinks promotions are legal.
The environmental health department has written to several venues saying they could be breaching the mandatory code by running deals such as "two for one" and "buy one get one free".
Manchester Pub & Club Network chairman Haydn Pope has written a strongly-worded letter to the environmental health department, on behalf of several licensees, calling the situation a "complete farce".
He said the council licensing department and police have told licensees that all current promotions "are not viewed as an issue" under the mandatory code's ban on irresponsible deals.
But the promo ban had been "twisted and manipulated" by environmental health, who have not met hosts on the issue, Pope said.
The MA understands one licensee was told he couldn't advertise a "buy one get one free" deal because of the suggestion of free alcohol. However, advertising two drinks for a set amount was viewed as legitimate.
Another licensee has been ordered to stop a "two for one" deal on cocktails on the grounds that it encourages getting drunk.
Pope's letter says it's "madness and completely indefensible" that venues running deals like "two for one" are being "victimised", whereas others selling drinks for £1 or £1.50 are not.
Pope called for a "unified message" and demanded an urgent meeting with police and the council licensing department to "rein in" environmental health.
City council response
"We will be using the new legislation to challenge any premises that promote alcohol irresponsibly," said Nigel Murphy, executive member for the environment.
"City council officers, working closely with our partners in Greater Manchester Police, have met members of the Pub & Club Network to let them know about the new guidance. We've urged licensees to ensure promotions do not breach the conditions, and to liaise with us if they have any doubts or need clarification."