Nightclub boss slams drink promotions

A nightclub boss has launched a scathing attack on the pub industry, slamming drinks discounters for effectively promoting binge-drinking.

Adam Page, chief executive of Springwood, labelled retailers who sell alcohol at substantial discounts as irresponsible. He said he had found a pub near Southampton selling beer at 66p-a-pint and another in Dundee selling beer for 29p-a-pint.

And he criticised pub operator JD Wetherspoon for offering a bucket of five alcopops for £5. "Customers intending to drink two of these alcopops will consume more than double when they release it will not cost them any more money," he said.

He also hit out at operators who run two-for-one promotions and those who charge a block entrance fee under "all-you-can-drink" offers. "Encouraging people to drink as much as they possibly can is irresponsible," he said.

Mr Page said Springwood reluctantly offered discounts but only when it was essential to compete in the local market.

The boss of the 40-strong nightclub group also hit out at licensing reform which will allow pubs to "serve alcohol day and night".

"Running a late-night operation requires a totally unique set of skills," he said. "There is a whole raft of regulations that we have to comply with too.

"We do not want to see others restricted from opening late but we want a level playing field. People who want to open late should have to follow the same rules we do, such as the number of people, fie exits, stewards, air conditioning, first aid and so on.

"We do not wish to see those rules relaxed - we want them applied to everyone," he added.