Northern Ireland wants promotions ban

Northern Ireland plans to ban "irresponsible" drinks deals in pubs and shops as a prelude to introducing minimum pricing.

Proposals will be released in the coming weeks on a crackdown on deals such as buy-one-get-one-free, women drink free, and all-inclusives, said a statement from Social Development Minister Alex Attwood.

The plans will be "piggy-backed" onto a new Justice Bill, set to go through the Northern Ireland Assembly in the Autumn.

The proposals have already been endorsed by the Northern Ireland Executive and a consultation in planned after the Bill is tabled.

It's likely that the proposals would mirror the ban on irresponsible promotions under the mandatory alcohol retailing code in England and Wales.

Attwood said: "The irresponsible sale of alcohol can create many health and social problems in our community. It is something that I want to address as quickly as possible.

"It is imperative that we get new laws introduced to tackle this problem."

The minister plans further action in the future.

"I want to introduce minimum pricing for alcohol in clubs, pubs and supermarkets but also, on a larger scale, I want to target those retailers who sell alcohol below cost price in order to encourage higher footfall and therefore generate sales.

"Selling alcohol at minimal prices encourages people to drink irresponsibly, with damaging knock on effects on themselves and in society.

"It is my duty as the Social Development Minister to tackle this head on."

Proposals to toughen up the licensing regime in the province are already underway.

Northern Ireland's Licensing Bill, introduced in June, includes extra powers for police to close pubs immediately if there's disorder, as well as a new penalty points system for licensees who break licensing laws.