Publicans warned over promotions

LONDONDERRY publicans have been told to adhere to an industry charter on drinks promotions or lose their entertainment licences.

A crunch meeting attended by Derry City Council's Licensing Committee, local MLAs, local vintners, representatives of the Civic Alcohol Forum (CAF) and secondary school head teachers discussed promotional activities carried out by licensed premises here.

The meeting provided an informal update on the Code of Practice on Promotional Activities on Licensed Premises introduced by Stephen Kelly in his role as a member of the Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade.

Mr Kelly advised that the charter was developed from ideas submitted by the licensed trade, that wanted to show leadership in the responsible retailing of alcohol in the face of criticism over irresponsible drinks promotions.

The code was based on an industry standard and, prior to implementation, it was widely consulted on and amended to suit local issues.

The City Secretary and Solicitor, Damien McMahon reminded attendees of the meeting that adherence to the Code of Practice is a condition for premises gaining an Entertainment Licence.

Karen Phillips, Senior Environmental Health Officer gave an outline of the work of the CAF - a collection of statutory, business and community organisations, led by the Mayor - working together to challenge and tackle the culture of alcohol misuse in the Derry City Council area.

She outlined some of the initiatives that the Forum had undertaken over the last six years and the role that vintners play in the forum and in encouraging responsible consumption of alcohol.

Councillor Gerry MacLochlainn chaired the meeting and hailed it as a worthwhile exercise.

"I am delighted that we have had such an impressive turn out as it demonstrates the commitment of local vintners to the responsible sale of alcohol."

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