A few years ago, most publicans in the city signed up to voluntary code of practice but Mick Gallagher, Vice President of University of Ulster Students’ Union at Magee, said this week that the agreed promotional protocol had been ‘blown out of the water’. 

 

He said: “The aggressive marketing strategy adopted by some local clubs and pubs in Derry is obviously targeted at students. Slashing the price of alcohol drinks, sometimes by as much as half, is totally reckless and has no regard whatsoever for students’ well-being.

 

“As many students are living away from home for the first time, they may be vulnerable and susceptible to these drinks promotions. Excessive drinking can have many repercussions, affecting the students’ mental, physical and financial welfare and impacting negatively on their education.

 

“Publicans who are making money from drinks promotions are disregarding their social responsibility while others are left to pick up the pieces. This is an issue which affects the wider community and not just the University.”

 

The Students’ Union Vice President added that in addition to the disastrous affects that excessive drinking can have on the students’ well-being, the resultant anti-social behaviour could destroy the rapport created by the Students’ Union, University and the students of the Magee Campus.

 

 

University authorities and Students’ Union at Magee campus of the University of Ulster have joined forces to highlight the dangers of cheap drinks promotions, claiming that they encourage irresponsible drinking habits among students.

 

A few years ago, most publicans in the city signed up to voluntary code of practice but Mick Gallagher, Vice President of University of Ulster Students’ Union at Magee, said the agreed promotional protocol has since been ‘blown out of the water’. 

 

He said: “The aggressive marketing strategy adopted by some local clubs and pubs in Derry is obviously targeted at students. Slashing the price of alcohol drinks, sometimes by as much as half, is totally reckless and has no regard whatsoever for students’ well-being.

 

“As many students are living away from home for the first time, they may be vulnerable and susceptible to these drinks promotions. Excessive drinking can have many repercussions, affecting the students’ mental, physical and financial welfare and impacting negatively on their education.

 

The Students’ Union Vice President added that in addition to the disastrous affects that excessive drinking could have on the students’ well-being, the resultant anti-social behaviour could destroy the rapport which the Students’ Union, the University and Students of the Magee Campus had developed with the local community.

 

“Publicans who are making money from these cheap drinks promotions are totally disregarding their social responsibility and leaving others to pick up the pieces. This is an issue which affects not just the University but the wider community and it should be of concern to everyone.”