It proposes bans on venues offering deals such as all-you-can-drink for £20, and not providing two or more alcohol products at a reduced price.
Social development minister McCausland said: “The Licensing and Registration of Clubs Amendment Act 2011 gave my department powers to make regulations to ban irresponsible drink promotions and other specified pricing promotions.
“Although I am currently working with the drinks industry to develop a code of practice in relation to drinks promotions I believe the regulation of certain drinks promotions is necessary. Therefore, I have decided to make regulations that will ban certain irresponsible drink promotions.”
He added: “Whilst I recognise the majority of licensees and registered clubs act responsibly in their marketing and promotion of alcohol, the undesirable health, social and personal consequences of irresponsible promotions cannot be ignored.”
The move was welcomed by trade body Pubs of Ulster. Chief executive Colin Neill said the proposals complement the body’s joint industry code of practice.
“Whilst the majority of the industry has a very responsible approach to drinks promotions, we do recognise that a small minority continue to engage in practices which are considered to be irresponsible and potentially damaging,” said Neill. “This cannot go on and Pubs of Ulster will continue to work closely with the minister and its members to ensure that a responsible way forward is agreed and enforced.
“Pubs of Ulster is also glad to see that the proposals put forward in the consultation take into account the role of supermarkets – now the largest retailer of alcohol in Northern Ireland – in encouraging the misuse and abuse of alcohol. With 70% of alcohol now consumed at home, it is clear that promotions offered by supermarkets need to be more heavily regulated.”
The consulation is available at: http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/consultation-irresponsible-drinks-promotions-regulations.htm