Dublin bar launches ‘Welfare Wednesday’ alcohol promotion

A Dublin bar which has launched a “Welfare Wednesday” drinks promotion offering cut-price alcohol to those in receipt of State payments has drawn criticism for promoting “irresponsible drinking and prices”.

The venue, advertised as both a pub and club, and which is located in a suburb on the north side of the city, says those who show a social welfare card or bus pass can avail of cheap drinks, including €3 pints of beer and spirits.

Responding, Fine Gael Senator Catherine Noone "condemned" the promotion. "The pub, which uses the Department of Social Protection logo in posters advertising 'Welfare Wednesday', invites recipients of social welfare to take part in subsidised spirits, with whiskey and vodka shots costing €3 each," she said.

“While I’m not against Social Welfare recipients receiving discounts, I am against the promotion of irresponsible drinking and irresponsible prices. It seems to me that Welfare Wednesday is an invitation for people to spend their Social Welfare on alcohol when they receive it.

“I would be deeply concerned at people being encouraged to spend irresponsibly on the day they receive their welfare and I would call on this venue to reconsider the promotion immediately.”

Management at the bar in question could not be reached for comment.

It is not the first alcohol promotion to spark concerns.

In 2012, the Centra chain was forced to apologise after four of its outlets targeted child benefit recipients with cut price deals.