The Mandatory Code of Conduct for licensees published earlier this month by the Home Office regrettably is as clear as mud when it comes to the allowability or not of various forms of promotion.
It appears form the guidance that ‘discount nights’ which allow unlimited or unspecified amounts of free alcohol for a fixed or discounted fee may be an ‘irresponsible’ promotion under the guidance despite that fact that the guidance is primarily aimed at students.
Although promotions such as ‘games or activities’ which allow unlimited consumption in a set time period, it is not clear if promotions such as 2 for 1 offers are caught by this rule. Licensees are advised to contact their local licensing authority for their interpretation in the event of any doubt.