Some southside pubs offering free drink to rugby supporters

Offering free drinks to rugby fans if they return to their usual post-match pub on the Southside is not in breach of alcohol legislation, according to a senior counsel.

Although it is illegal to offer "happy hour" discounts on alcohol, it is not against the law to offer alcohol free of charge, according to Constance Cassidy SC, a legal authority on the licensing trade.

A number of Southside pubs, particularly in the Ballsbridge area, have offered bus trips to Croke Park for Ireland's match against France on Sunday. Some are charging € 5 for the bus ticket with a free drink thrown in for all those fans who return to the pub afterwards.

The publicans are attempting to hold on to the custom that normally comes their way following a rugby match in Lansdowne Road.

Youth group, Leading Youth Work Organisation yesterday criticised the plans.

Spokesman Michael Mc Loughlin said the link between sport and alcohol was too great in Ireland.

"It further pressurises young people into early and risky alcohol consumption," he said.

Publicans and the drinks industry should be setting an example in this area. This measure was introduced to end the happy hour in this country and all publicans are well aware of it. Linking free drink to a bus journey or a match day does not make it any more legal or acceptable."

He said the constant "in your face" promotion of alcohol coupled with the power of the drinks industry is a major concern in Irish society today.

"The idea that free or cheaper drink would be used to incentivise certain behaviour should not be encouraged," he said.

If it's not in breach of the letter of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003, it is in breach of the spirit of it."

Ms Cassidy said the sale and supply of intoxicating liquor at a reduced price is expressly prohibited under the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003, however, a publican is perfectly entitled to supply alcohol for free at any time.

"The law as it stands, which includes 78 statutes to regulate the industry, caters well for the responsible management of licensed premises," she said.

In my experience, publicans behave responsibly and within the law."

Public houses who are offering buses for €5 to Croke Park and a free drink include Kiely's of Donnybrook, The 51, Haddington Road, The Waterloo, Lansdowne Hotel, Toners and the Goat Inn.

Paddy Cullen's and Doheny & Nesbitt's are providing free buses to patrons but are not offering free drinks, while Searson's of Baggot Street are offering a bus, a free drink and a meal after the match for €15.