Collins: Cheap promos not common place

Cheap drinks deals in the on-trade are only run by a tiny minority through gritted teeth - that is the view of Jon Collins, executive chairman of late night industry trade body Noctis.

The Barracuda Bar in Newquay hit the headlines last week for running a £1-a-drink party night, attended by Prince William, that ended in a violent attack on a customer.

Reports of other cheap drinks deals have been received by the MA but Collins stressed that the deals must be put in context.

"While there may have been a small increase in the number of these deals, its is still an absolute tiny minority,"​ he said.

"It has probably increased from 0.2% of premises to 0.25% of premises.

"And where these offers have crept in the multiple pressures of the current trading environment must be recognised."

Collins believes the smoking ban, longer opening hours, poor summer weather and the Government's failure to put a stop to even cheaper deals in the supermarkets has left some operators with little choice.

"It is a desparate measure made through gritted teeth - no-one likes to slash their profit margin. ​

"The problem is the politicians believe these bars are profiteering from these offers, which is wide of the mark.

"While it is right to try and eradicate irresponsible offers we should not beat ourselves up.

"To the credit of the on-trade, operators have tried other avenues apart from price to get trade back in such as improving food offers or entertainment and music.

"The vast majority are not running irresponsible promotions and even £1-a-drink is more expensive than the supermarkets."