Police support cheap-drink crackdown

Police are applauding a Liquor Licensing Authority decision condemning "happy hour" bar promotions.

The authority ruled last week Dunedin bars The Bowling Green Tavern and The Captain Cook Tavern had breached the sale of liquor act by offering cut-price drinks deals with a time-limit.

The Sale of Liquor Act prohibits any promotion that is intended or likely to encourage excessive drinking.

Police national manager of planning and policy Superintendent Dave Trappitt said profit should not be put above people's safety.

"Those drinks may look cheap, but when discounting policies lead patrons to stock up, and consume alcohol more quickly and heavily than normal, then they could ultimately be coming at a very high price.

"Drinkers need to exercise self-restraint if offered the lure of cheap alcohol, but bar owners and managers also have a legal duty not to encourage binge-drinking through irresponsible activities."

- NZPA