‘Don’t ban our happy hours’, claims new survey

Drinkers’ Voice, which aims to battle those who “seek to penalise people who enjoy a drink”, has stated that happy hours have long been occasions for customers to enjoy and a way to make their money stretch further.

The organisation has claimed that happy hours provide a good atmosphere in pubs, but bar staff also need to be responsible when serving customers.

Drinkers Voice spokesperson Inka Kukkamaki said: “Happy hours create a great atmosphere in pubs and bars during otherwise quiet times.”

Serving responsibly

She added: “We are only talking about a short period of time, but it is when many students and young office workers come together to de-stress and socialise after an often somewhat tiring working day.

“At the same time, we trust the bar staff to do their job in serving responsibly. We don’t need the anti-alcohol lobby patronising us by intervening and telling us what is best for us.

“Happy hours are an affordable alternative and a social way for people to enjoy a drink after a day at college, university or work.

“We are calling on young people to join our movement and speak up for drinkers across the country.”

Drinking guidelines

This is not the first survey the organisation has conducted, as earlier this month (September), it found that seven out of 10 drinkers said they ignore the Government’s alcohol drinking guidelines.​

This research came from a YouGov study involving 1,663 UK adults and was commissioned by Drinkers’ Voice.

Last year, chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies released drinking guidelines, which called for an equal level for men and women at 14 units a week.

Following the survey results, Drinkers’ Voice called on Brits to join the movement, which aims to bring a sensible approach to the debate on alcohol.