An alcohol promotion by supermarket chain Tesco Ireland has been found in breach of a voluntary drinks industry code of practice.
Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society (MEAS), a body funded by the drinks industry, said the St Patrick's Day promotion for Guinness Draught and Budweiser cans had been the subject of a complaint from a member of the public.
The Tesco campaign advertised: "Buy 12, get 12 cans FREE".
"An independent complaints panel considered the complaint and found it breached a section of the code that states promotional material or activity…..must not in any direct or indirect way encourage irresponsible or immoderate consumption, such as binge-drinking, drunkenness or drink-driving', MEAS said.
A second complaint concerned drink promotions at Davitt's Bar, Restaurant and Nite Club in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.
The panel found a promotion for free Miller beer and cocktails "clearly fell within the category of promotions that could entail a disproportionate risk that they will lead directly to alcohol misuse and anti-social behaviour".
The owner of Davitt's Bar withdrew a newspaper advert after he was contacted and said the breach of the code was unintentional and would not recur, MEAS said.