Cheap drinks clampdown
Less than two weeks after the death of 20 year old Joby Murphy, Social Development minister Nelson McCausland says he will call time on cheap drinks promotions in pubs and clubs.
Joby, who had been in a Belfast club drinking cheap vodka shots, fell into the Lagan Weir in the early hours of 26 January. His father cited cheap drinks promotions as ‘irresponsible’. Following the tragedy the club where Joby had been issued a statement saying it would be happy to abide by sensible minimum pricing and that its staff never serve anyone who is drunk.
After visiting Joby’s family the minister announced, "I will bring forward regulations later this year banning certain promotions that encourage irresponsible drinking.
"My officials are also working with the drinks trade to develop a code of practice on promotions.”
Mr McCausland has also called a meeting to discuss concerns about excessive alcohol consumption and public safety at the Odyssey Pavilion and surrounding area. Crime in the area increased by 50% in 2011.
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