Uni bans pubs' drinks promos on campus

One university has banned pubs and bars from advertising their drinks promotions at this year's freshers' fair.

Bath University Student Union has also cut the number of late-night venues that will be allowed to exhibit at the fair and is intending to raise its own prices.

Just three venues, yet to be confirmed, will be present at the fair and none will not be allowed to promote drinks deals.

The union itself advertises nights based on entertainment rather than drinks promotions.

Student Union president Daniel O'Toole said the number of late-night venue exhibitors had been dropped from around 10 due to a lack of space, to encourage students to stay on campus and as a result of student feedback from last year.

People claimed to be "bombarded" with emails including drinks promotions after signing up for freebies at the fair.

The union is "committed to a safe environment" and gained gold status in the Best Bar None awards this year, having held silver for several.

Last year it offered a pint of draught for £1.40 and is looking at raising that to £1.50 this year.

Nearby licensee of the Royal Oak Sue Wynne fully supports the union in promoting responsible drinking. "I think it's a very good idea," she said.

"I know a lot of the landlords in the city and I don't really hear about trouble there. It is more up at the university where the drink is so much cheaper.

"We need to encourage students not to buy a cheap bottle of vodka from the supermarket before they go out. Once they are in the pubs, most publicans wouldn't let them get into a state."

Alcohol charity Drinkaware recently joined forced with the National Union of Students (NUS) to target alcohol misuse among students.

NUS will partner Drinkaware's Why Let Good Times Go Bad campaign from September.