Campaigners say ‘bogof’ to free booze
Reporter A PUB chain’s promotion to win free beer for a year has come under fire from a health charity.
Ei Publican Partnerships, which has a network of leased and tenanted pubs, also has a buy one, get one free (BOGOF) offer.
But the scheme has been criticised by Balance, the North East’s alcohol office.
It has “concerns” that the promotion will encourage people to drink twice as much.
The Love Your Pub campaign runs throughout March.
It follows research from Ei Publican Partnerships on the importance of the pub in the local community.
The survey said 12% of Geordies would rather spend time in the pub than with their partner.
The chain said punters can sign up for a BOGOF pint and get a chance to win free beer for a year using an app on a tablet or smartphone.
Brands participating in the promotion include Heineken UK which makes Fosters, Strongbow, Kronenbourg, and John Smith’s.
Molson Coors, which makes Carling, and the makers of Guinness are also taking part.
Colin Shevills, director of Balance, said: “Pubs do play an important role in many North East communities.
“However, it has to be a concern if people are being encouraged to drink twice as much as they otherwise would.
“Alcohol is not a normal product – it is linked to 200 different medical conditions, including seven types of cancer.
“We also know that one in four people in the North East are drinking at risky levels, and that half of the alcohol consumed in the UK is consumed during excessive drinking occasions.
“The biggest threat that pubs are facing in 2018 is the cheap alcohol being sold on supermarket shelves.
“It is ironic that some of the major alcohol corporations supporting this promotion and hailing the local pub have also fought tooth and nail to protect cheap supermarket alcohol which is killing pubs.”
Pubs, however, welcomed the campaign.
Sharon Herron, publican at Keel Row at Seaton Delaval, said: “We’re a nation that loves the pub. It’s not just a place to drink, it’s the beating heart of our society where we go to share stories and make memories with our loved ones and friends.
“My pub wouldn’t be anything without my regulars, they give the place its soul, so I’m delighted to get behind this initiative and I would urge everyone out there to get out and make your pub love official.”
Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said the campaign was a chance to celebrate the pub. She said: “Pubs are a great place for the community to socialise, but more than this they are a hub where people get together to do good. Whether that’s meeting up with friends or raising money for the local community, pubs and people are a match made in heaven.”
Other pubs taking part in the BOGOF promotion include the Blacksmith’s Arms on Gosforth High Street, The Ship Inn at Newcastle, the Killingworth Arms at Killingworth, the Cottage Tavern at Sunderland and the Black Horse at Monkseaton.