This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/7665793.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Bars facing ban on free alcohol Bars facing ban on free alcohol
(about 5 hours later)
The drinks industry has condemned draft government proposals which could ban bars from giving free alcohol to women.The drinks industry has condemned draft government proposals which could ban bars from giving free alcohol to women.
Under proposals being considered by ministers, restrictions could also be introduced on pub "happy hours", and health warnings placed on drinks.Under proposals being considered by ministers, restrictions could also be introduced on pub "happy hours", and health warnings placed on drinks.
The government is keen to promote sensible drinking and cut levels of public drunkenness.The government is keen to promote sensible drinking and cut levels of public drunkenness.
But the British Beer and Pub Association said the plans would "bury" businesses under red tape.But the British Beer and Pub Association said the plans would "bury" businesses under red tape.
"At a time when the economy and business is under severe pressure it's government's role to support business, not send in a wrecking crew with the ball and chain of further regulation," said spokesman Mark Hastings."At a time when the economy and business is under severe pressure it's government's role to support business, not send in a wrecking crew with the ball and chain of further regulation," said spokesman Mark Hastings.
"Government needs to wake up to the fact that five pubs a day are closing in Britain.""Government needs to wake up to the fact that five pubs a day are closing in Britain."
Bad practiceBad practice
Mr Hastings said the proposed code would apply to more than 186,000 licensed premises in the UK.Mr Hastings said the proposed code would apply to more than 186,000 licensed premises in the UK.
The draft rules would also require restaurants to serve wine in glasses with marked measures.The draft rules would also require restaurants to serve wine in glasses with marked measures.
Professor Ian Gilmore, president of the Royal College of Physicians and chairman of the UK Alcohol Health Alliance, said the drinks industry should a face tougher regulatory regime.Professor Ian Gilmore, president of the Royal College of Physicians and chairman of the UK Alcohol Health Alliance, said the drinks industry should a face tougher regulatory regime.
HAVE YOUR SAYPubs are great places and the more inventive managers will find other ways, like food and entertainment, to tempt people through the door Yorrick, UKSend us your comments
He told the BBC that a current voluntary code governing the industry should be made mandatory.He told the BBC that a current voluntary code governing the industry should be made mandatory.
There was no evidence, he said, that the voluntary code had "stopped bad practice" or discouraged young and heavy drinkers from consuming too much cheap alcohol.There was no evidence, he said, that the voluntary code had "stopped bad practice" or discouraged young and heavy drinkers from consuming too much cheap alcohol.
A Department of Health spokesman said "no final decision" had been taken yet on the proposals.A Department of Health spokesman said "no final decision" had been taken yet on the proposals.
But he said: "Government's initial belief is that the code should be revised with a view to making it mandatory in retail premises that sell alcohol."But he said: "Government's initial belief is that the code should be revised with a view to making it mandatory in retail premises that sell alcohol."