When I moved to London, almost 10 years ago, the bars there had similar rules. There was a minimum price for beers, drinks, shots, and pitchers, as well as bans on price-advertising. When I asked about it, I was told that it was an informal regulation from the liquor inspector - ie, that anyone breaking the rule would face another 'inspection' - but I think it had more to do with the bars colluding with themselves and the inspector.

Anyway, some bars started selling cheap shooters, which apparently weren't part of the deal, then Call the Office started offering cheap pitchers, and then the whole thing broke down. Except for the advertising thing, I think.

But I wouldn't trust my memory from those days...
Pedro Bento | 06.15.05 - 2:28 pm | #