The Government is set to unveil a ban on all-inclusive drinks promotions later today as part of a mandatory code for the trade.
The code is expected to be included in the Police and Crime Bill set to be announced during the Queen's speech.
An early draft of the code seen by the Morning Advertiser in October proposed an outright ban on all-inclusives, deals linked to unpredictable events such as goals scored, and offers that "encourage either excessive drinking or a pub crawl".
Speculation is rife that this will not include happy hours.
Police and local authorities would state when restrictions on promotions should be tightened up, such as during events when there is "heightened tension".
It also included calls for pub operators with turnover in excess of £5m to have a mystery-customer scheme in place.
The code is seen as a response to the much maligned KPMG report of the summer which criticised the trade's voluntary codes.
However, supermarkets are once again expected to get off the hook.
Drinks promos likely to face ban:
• Drinking games or speed incentives• Free drinks in larger amounts or for specific groups (eg women)• All-inclusives• Deals that "encourage" a heavy session or pub crawl• Discounts linked to unpredictable events (eg for five minutes after a Guinness advert
The Morning Advertiser will bring you more news on the code later today.