Bars could face curbs on happy hour promotions under new legislation being considered by the government.
In news which might be of interest to pub insurance customers, the move is part of proposals being looked at by the Home Office and Department of Health as part of a public consultation on how to promote sensible drinking.
Other ideas being examined include forcing landlords to sell wine in glasses with marked measures.
According to Mark Hasting, spokesperson for the British Beer and Pub Association, the proposals will harm the pub industry if they are introduced.
"At a time when the economy and business is under severe pressure it's government's role to support business not send in a wrecking crew with the ball and chain of further regulation."
The government should "wake up" and take note of the fact that five pubs a day are closing in the UK, he added.
According to the Home Office, the draft proposals are not yet government policy.
Last week, the Health and Safety Executive launched a new toolkit aimed at reducing the risk of work-related violence in licensed premises.
