Pub slammed for irresponsible behaviour

A pub where a student died after a drunken game of bullrush has been accused by the Alcohol Advisory Council of irresponsible behaviour, the Dominion Post reports.

In Palmerston North last week the Fitz Bar displayed a Speight's sign outside saying "Why study for exams when you can get drunk with your mates?"

Alac acting chief executive Sandra Kirby said it defied belief that the pub would display the sign.

She suggested they were slow learners after the death of William Cranswick, 19, who had been drinking with friends at the pub in September 2003 when an off-duty staff member suggested a game of bullrush. Mr Cranswick was knocked unconscious during the game and died two days later.

No one was available to comment at the bar last night.

- NZPA