Pubs urged to keep prices above £1.50

Police are urging licensees to sell drinks at no less than £1.50 in a bid to stop young people binge drinking over the summer.

The move is part of Leicestershire Constabulary's 'Safer Summer' drive to tackle alcohol fuelled problems in Loughborough over the school holidays.

Sergeant Andy Thornley said: "We are talking to the owners and managers of licensed venues in the town to encourage them to keep their drinks above £1.50.

"Irresponsible drinks promotions, which offer spirits for as little as £1 can encourage young people to drink too much too fast and that can lead to problems later in the evening.

"Cheap drinks encourage this behaviour and that is why we are keen to bring landlords on board with our campaign."

Schemes have previously been set up in other parts of the country including Bedford and Blackpool. However trade chiefs have warned pubs they could face action for price fixing.

Richard Matthews, British Beer & Pub Association Midlands secretary, said: "From our point of view this could be seen as fixing a price and that would raise serious competition concerns.

"If there is a problem at a certain premises this can be dealt with by the Licensing Act."

However Sgt Thornley was quick to stress the move would be voluntary and that pubs could not be forced to sell drinks at a certain price.

"Clearly it is not illegal to offer cheap drinks," he said, "however, the council's licensing policy encourages the responsible sale and consumption of alcohol.

"Bars running irresponsible drinks promotions could face action and penalties if it's proved that cheap drinks promotions lead to an increase in crime and disorder associated with binge-drinking.

Other measures being used as part of the campaign by police in Loughborough include confiscating alcohol from anyone under the age of 18, extra police patrols and enforcing the town's no drinking zone.