http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7665793.stm

[taize]

The government is keen to promote sensible drinking and cut levels of public drunkenness ...

�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.�

Surely it is discrimination to ban bars from giving free alcohol to women, and not to men as well?

[Buenchico]

That's a rather naughty bit of reporting by the BBC.

The British Beer and Pub Association published a document, called 'Wake Up For Westminster' a month ago, calling upon the Government to reduce taxes and red tape on the drinks' industry. A reporter, struggling for a story, seems to have picked up on aspects of that report and combined it with concerns about increased 'binge drinking' among women.

He or she has then sought responses from the Department of Health and the BB&PA and effectively fabricated a story. A quick check of the Department of Health's website shows that there have been no recent press releases regarding new policies or current consultations on the sale of alcohol. Similarly, there are no relevant press releases on the BB&PA website.

Nobody is trying to discriminate against women. Indeed, nobody has yet made any formal proposals of the type indicated in that report. It's simply an example of 'creative reporting' by the BBC.

Chris

[jno]

Chris, this is on the Home Office website

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/prgpdfs/crrsb n3.pdf