Pub code on promotions is illegal
The British Beer and Pub Association's (BBPA) voluntary code on cheap drinks deals and happy hours has been withdrawn because it may breach competition law.
The code on promotions had been withdrawn on legal advice, BBPA communications director Mark Hastings confirmed.
The code was launched three years ago in a bid to stop "all-you-can-drink" deals, two-for-one offers and happy hours.
Scotland recently unveiled plans for a minimum price on alcohol.
The move may also be in response to the overdue KPMG report into the trade's commitment to its voluntary code on social responsibility.
Hastings said: "We are currently taking legal advice on the status of the BBPA code.
"It's widely recognised that pubs have made enormous strides to tackle irresponsible promotions and we are confident they will continue to operate responsibly."
When asked about the timing of the withdrawal, Hastings said: "The advice at the time was it was fine, but very recently other questions have arisen and we have to take them seriously. In the meantime, we have to withdraw [the code]."
Concern had been expressed that withdrawal of the code makes it more likely that Government will push for legislation forcing pubs to adopt the voluntary codes.
The Government's Youth Alcohol Action Plan, released this month, wanted to "improve" the document that brings together voluntary industry codes "with a view to making it mandatory".
Hastings said "only Government can answer" the question of whether it wants to push for legislation on social responsibility codes.
