The GAA's Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) programme continues to grow in its influence and scope with more and more clubs looking to actively engage with its message of health promotion and harm reduction. With this in mind, it was deemed timely to issue some guidelines in relation to drinks promotions in a licensed premise on a GAA club grounds.     
It is acknowledged that legally licensed premises adhering to the relevant legislation can become an enjoyable social hub for club members while generating valuable revenue for some of our units. However, it is imperative that activities carried out on such premises remain in line with best practice guidelines in relation to the responsible serving of alcohol. 
National and international guidelines discourage the practice of price reductions for specific time periods (for example during televised sporting events), two-for-one drink offers, or any promotions that encourages an increased consumption of alcohol over a reduced period of time (happy hours). Such promotions serve to increase the likelihood of what is commonly referred to as ‘binge-drinking’, or excessive drinking over a short period. This not only results in increased intoxication, but research has also shown that ‘binge-drinking’ impacts negatively on an individual’s health in both the short and the long term. 
We also refer our units in the Republic of Ireland to Section 20 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003, which states that: 
‘A licensee shall not supply intoxicating liquor on the licensed premises at a reduced price during a limited period on any day.’ A first offence under the Act carries a fine of €1,500, or €2,000 for a second or any subsequent offence.
In Northern Ireland and the UK similar recommendations exist, with a consultation process currently taking place with the aim of placing these recommendations into legislation. We urge all our international units to make themselves familiar with whatever legislation covers their specific jurisdiction. 
To augment the above legislation and reinforce the healthy ethos of the GAA, Coiste Bainistí Cumann Luthchleas Gael passed the following guidelines regarding alcohol drink promotions at its meeting in Croke Park on Friday, August 17, 2012:
1.	GAA clubs with licensed premises are asked to observe responsible selling of alcohol at all times.
2.	Under no circumstances are alcoholic drinks promotions – the likes of which are outlined above – to be carried out in licensed GAA premises. 
3.	Text messaging services, club websites and Social Media are not to be used to issue any information to club members relating to alcohol promotions on GAA club grounds, or elsewhere. 
Further details on the Association’s ASAP programme (including a copy of the GAA’s sample Club Drug and Alcohol policy, which all units are requested to adopt) can be found at www.gaa.ie/asap/ . If required appropriate training in the responsible serving of alcohol can be facilitated for GAA club bar staff. 
For further details please contact ASAP National Coordinator Colin Regan on colin.regan@gaa.ie or 087-2945705.