Scottish pubs and bars face new guidelines from today to ensure the responsible promotion of alcoholic products.

Bars and pubs must now run alcohol promotions within social responsibility principles as a result of a partnership agreement between the Scottish Executive and 16 trade associations, including Scottish Beer and Pub Association and the Scotch Whisky Association. It operates as part of The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.

Responsible promotions must take into account their timing, duration and discounts. Pubs and bars must now set clear timings for their promotions and not put in place discounts that encourage excessive or rapid drinking.

Promotions that should not be run include drinking games, free drinks targeted to specific groups or entry fees linked to all-you-can-drink schemes.

Patrick Browne, chief executive of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, said: “We are determined to promote the highest possible standards. Pubs recognise that we have a role to play in addressing alcohol misuse, and this shows our commitment to working with the Scottish Executive to tackle these problems. We now have a framework on social responsibility for all of the drinks industry to work on delivering, in partnership with the Executive.”

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By Christopher Walton

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