'All you can drink' deals under fire

THE RETURN of 'all you can drink' deals in bars across the UK has been slammed by the trade.

The Publican has learned that a number of premises are offering the deals, which fall foul of the British Beer & Pub Association's (BBPA) voluntary code of conduct.

Chicago Rock Café branches in Macclesfield and Bury run their deals on Thursday and Friday nights, with entry prices between £10 and £12.

And the Dumfries Jumpin Jaks' outlet carries a heavily promoted deal on its website stating "Every Friday - free bar! £15 admission and all your drinks are free". All three venues are operated by 3D Entertainment.

Such deals have faced widespread criticism in the past, as evidence of the licensed trade acting irresponsibly.

BBPA director of communications Mark Hastings said: "The industry drew a clear line in the sand three years ago and stated that 'all you can drink' deals should no longer be run.

"It considers that deals such as these are not only likely to fuel excessive drinking, but as an example of promotions that bring the industry into disrepute."

A licensee trading close to the Macclesfield Chicago Rock Café, who did not wish to be named, said: "They're encouraging binge-drinking. People who see trouble late at night aren't going to make the connection to Chicago Rock, it'll just be anyone that sells alcohol, or any pub, which gets the blame."

Paul Smith, director of the Bar Entertainment & Dance Association, said: "All you can drink deals are not helpful. But there are particular pressures on the market at the moment which are making it difficult for operators to do the right thing."

Earlier this year 3D Entertainment bought the Chicago Rock Café and Jumpin Jaks brands from Luminar Leisure.

3D chief executive David Crabtree defended the promotions. He said: "We've got a very small number of sites which have had no investment for a very long time. We plan to invest in these sites, but to bridge the gap we're happy to run these promotions."

Crabtree also argued that the venues were operating in the most responsible way possible.

"Prior to going live we're making sure the local police agree to the promotions," he said. "We've also got due diligence measures in place such as making sure there's free water available, and that people can only get one drink at a time."

• Are bars in your area running all you can drink deals. Let The Publican know on news@thepublican.com or on 020 7955 3759.