Swansea bars and nightclubs hit back in cut-price drinks offer row
BARS in Swansea have hit back over claims that they are causing "concerns" by offering cut-price drink promotions.
A solicitor in the city questioned promotions such as buy one get two free after his client found himself before magistrates this week on a drink driving charge.
Mark Davies, who was representing Rhys Beck, a 20-year-old who admitted crashing his car after drink-driving, said: "His intention wasn't to consume a large quantity of alcohol but he wanted one drink. When confronted with two more for free, it's often that people will consume the other two."
He claimed that the promotion was "quite frankly asking for trouble".
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The defendant, who was convicted of drink driving, had visited Oceana nightclub, on The Kingsway, and a police spokesman questioned the practice of cut- price drinks promotions across the city. Superintendent Phil Davies said: "Drinks promotions are a concern for the police."
Oceana did not respond to a invitation to comment but other city bars said they promoted responsible drinking.
A spokesman for Walkabout said: "We're in agreement with the police and are also very concerned about the number of cut-price drinks promotions in the city.
"We work closely with the police, Pub Watch and the local council to promote responsible behaviour in and around our venue.
"We're an extremely responsible bar operator and have won several awards over the years for running a responsible venue."
A spokesman for the Pitcher and Piano in Wind Street said: "We always promote sensible drinking."
Another landlord said: "People know what they are allowed to drink, just because you may get drinks free doesn't mean you have to drink them.
"Supermarkets have drinks promotions, does it mean that they are responsible if someone buys drinks there and break the law?"
A spokesperson for the Safer Swansea Partnership said: "We're continuing to work closely with a number of relevant partners, including Pub and Club Watch members, to provide a safe, healthy and vibrant night-time economy in Swansea. This includes addressing issues such as irresponsible drinking and drink-driving."
Comments
by hywel79
Sunday, November 25 2012, 9:38PM
“what a load of rubbish, just some idiot trying to pass the blame for his stupid and irresponsible behaviour”
by RosemaryBush
Sunday, November 25 2012, 12:11PM
“Surely if he intended on just having one drink and was out with friends and offered a buy one get two free he should have either a) refused, b) given them away or c)split the cost of one. On the otherhand he knew he was going to drive so why have an alcoholic drink? We are told "Don't Drink and Drive" but as the law stands it says but you can have this much, eg 1 drink and you will be under the limit and therefore safe to drive! Madness.”
by luggys
Sunday, November 25 2012, 9:22AM
“The only party to blame is the clown who took his car when he was going drinking.”
by muld00ns
Saturday, November 24 2012, 12:34PM
“I think that the way SWEP has reported this is disgusting. There is NO and I mean NO excuse for someone drink driving. Would the solicitor have put partial blame on the pubs and clubs had he lost someone close to him because of the idiotic behaviour!!!
If this person is as educated as his solicitor said then the obvious thing to realise is drink driving puts people at risk. I don't even chance it with even one drink, and as he had two friends with him just give them the free pints.”