Athlone nightclub criticised for drinks promotion
A night-spot was rapped today for giving students free alcoholic drinks for a night.
Drinks watchdog Meas found a promotion by Genesis Nightclub in Athlone encouraged illegal, irresponsible or immoderate consumption.
Revellers paid 20 euro admission to the venue, next to Athlone IT, in return for “free drink all nite”.
Members of the public had complained the promotion encouraged illegal or irresponsible drinking.
Dr Gordon Holmes, of Meas, said the night-spot was in clear breach of its code.
“The panel noted that this type of breach has occurred on various other occasions in the past and our views on it encouraging illegal or irresponsible drinking should be well known in the industry,” said the member of the independent complaints panel.
Guidance issued by Meas – Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society Limited - criticises promotions that are unlawful or lead to alcohol misuse and anti-social behaviour.
They include promotions that encourage or reward the purchase or drinking of large quantities of alcohol in a single session or entry fees that are linked with unlimited free drinks.
The midweek event in Genesis, which was held on September 16, was advertised on its Facebook page.
Meas found management breached its code of practice on the naming, packaging and promotion of alcoholic drinks because it could encourage “illegal, irresponsible or immoderate consumption, such as binge-drinking, drunkenness or drink-driving”.
Fionnuala Sheehan, chief executive, said: “I would encourage licensed premises to take note of the Meas Code, subscribe to it and commit to ensuring that they promote alcohol in a socially responsible manner.”
The body urged members of the public concerned about irresponsible drinking to come forward.
“I would like to thank those who bring irresponsible practices in the marketing and sale of alcohol to our attention,” she added.
“All complaints are dealt with in the strictest confidence and are treated seriously.”
