Clubs in the city centre of Edinburgh have agreed to ditch irresponsible promotions – such as buy one drink get one free – five months before they are required to do so by law.
All clubs within the unight partnership have agreed a list of promotions that will be outlawed. These include:
Door admission promotions that include alcohol
Promotional references that encourage excessive drinking
Drink promotions that offer alcohol free or at a reduced price on purchase of one or more drinks
Drink offers that encourage additional drinking
Alcoholic drinks vouchers
At the Scottish Executive SNP Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "There’s no doubt that some of the promotions in pubs and clubs encourage people to buy and drink more alcohol. Some of them also encourage excessive drinking and fuel the drinking to get drunk culture that’s damaging Scotland.
"That’s why it’s great news that Edinburgh clubs in the Unight scheme are ripping up these drinks promotions.
"The decision to focus on promoting clubs through the atmosphere and entertainment rather than lure people in with cheap deals is very responsible and is certainly something that I welcome.
"The fact that it’s being done five months ahead of the law requiring it is a welcome sign that the industry is embracing the new Licensing Act.
"I hope this can help make Edinburgh’s night time economy safer and more enjoyable for everyone."
David Edge, Chair of the Unight group said:
"In tough economic times the Unight member clubs have unanimously taken a big step in banning these irresponsible drinks promotions.
"This decision levels the playing field throughout the city and ensures that all venues focus on entertainment first and foremost to drive their business forward.
"It is yet another example of Unight leading the way in improving the late night economy in Edinburgh and a big thumbs up for the 2005 Act that that comes into force in September."
The Unight scheme aims to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone to enjoy Edinburgh’s vibrant nightlife. Anyone caught breaching Unight policy is banned from all Unight premises for a set period of time. In addition, anyone caught committing a criminal offence is robustly dealt with by Lothian and Borders Police.
The premises within Unight include:
Base, Berlin, Cabaret Voltaire, CC Blooms, Citrus Club, City Night Club, Drop Kick Murphy, Luna, El Barrio, Espionage, Faith, Fingers Piano Bar, Garibaldi’s, GHQ, Jam House, Jongleurs, Lava & Ignite, Shanghai, Nicol Edwards, Medina, Mood, Po Na Na, Tequila Joe’s, Opal Lounge, Opium, Sneaky Pete’s, Siglo, Stereo, Studio 24, Subway West End, The Green Room, The Picture House, Whistle Binkies, Why Not, Massa, The Bongo Club, The Caves, The Hive, The Jazz Bar and the Wee Red.
