Publicans' chief calls for end to 'happy hour'

The Chief Executive of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) has called for pub owners to stop operating "happy hours" in an effort to stamp out excessive drinking.

Speaking at the group's annual conference in Donegal, Mr Tadg O'Sullivan said such promotions bring the pub industry into disrepute. He also said the practice of having brewery representatives on college campuses "is no longer acceptable".

"A licensee that engages in deep discounting or price promotions that encourage binge drinking should face challenges to the renewal of their licence," Mr O'Sullivan said.

But he added: "The licensed trade cannot tackle the issue of alcohol abuse alone. Support is needed from legislators, the Government, gardaí and parents, while those abusing and misusing alcohol need to take their share of responsibility".

Mr O'Sullivan called for the urgent enactment of the recommendations of the Liquor Licensing Commission report on the publican's right to refuse service to "any person who, acting in a violent or disorderly manner, poses a risk to the health or safety of a publican, employees or customers".

"The Equal Status Act 2000 is a very important piece of legislation to guard against discrimination and racism. However, it is vital that this legislation protects publicans' rights and prevents this Act being abused," Mr O'Sullivan added.

The Vintners' Federation of Ireland represents licensees from all over Ireland - with the exclusion of Co Dublin - and has over 6,000 members.

Last week, the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, proposed that Garda videos of people coming out of public houses "legless" be presented as evidence to courts to combat public order offences.

The Minister is also to seek the imposition of fines on people given the benefit of the Probation Act when charged with such offences.

Mr McDowell outlined the measures at the publication of a report, Public Order Offences in Ireland, by the National Crime Council on Friday. The report was compiled by the Institute of Criminology in UCD.

He said there was a heavy responsibility on those who sold alcohol, and they would face closure if they allowed excessive drinking on their premises.