Catalunya bans happy hours and other special offers in Bars

14 October 2009, Catalunya (Spain). The Parlament of Catalunya has by unanimity adopted a new Public Health Law that among other preventive health measures outlaws “happy hours” and other special offers.

The aim of this prohibition is to curb youth alcohol consumption. Although it is not clear how the measure will be enforced the offending practices are strictly defined. They include promotional offers, prizes, lotteries, promotional parties and deals such as "all you can drink", "two drinks for the price of one" and the like. Any establishment defying the ban could be fined between €3,000 and €10,000.

According to Joan Colom, Director of the Program on Substance Abuse of the Catalonian Department of Health, the regulation has been in place since 1985. “But it was never possible to enforce it due to misinterpretation of the wording,” she said.

The Spanish Health Minister, Trinidad Jimenez, has also announced that she would consider introducing a similar ban nationwide.

"We must protect citizens and we want to impede... the uncontrolled consumption of alcohol," the director of Catalonia's public health, Antoni Plasencia, said.

Unfortunately the ban only applies to establishments, premises and other spaces where alcoholic beverages are sold and consumed (i.e. clubs, bar etc). The law therefore leaves out supermarkets.

Articles in the news:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/party-over-catalonia-bans-happy-hour-1803652.html