A Dublin pub has issued an apology after its “Welfare Wednesday” drinks promotion drew criticism from politicians and the Department of Social Protection.
Liz Delaney’s was accused of promoting “irresponsible drinking” after launching a campaign offering cut-price alcohol to customers in receipt of State payments.
A poster for the Coolock pub advertised €3 pints of beer and measures of spirits for anyone who presented a social welfare card or bus pass.
Following criticism, the pub published a statement on Tuesday denying it was encouraging binge drinking or irresponsible behaviour.
“At no stage were we ever trying to encourage binge drinking or irresponsible behaviour. It was never our intention to offend or upset anybody,” it said.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely apologise for any offence we might have caused to anyone.”
Earlier, the Department of Social Protection said it considered the promotion “irresponsible”. It also instructed the pub to remove the department’s logo from the poster promoting the low-price drink.
Fine Gael Senator Catherine Noone said it appeared as if the pub was encouraging patrons to spend their dole money on alcohol.
Source: Dan Griffin, Irish Times, 06/01/15
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