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Alex Attwood has laid down the law to Northern Irelands pubs and clubs warning them that cheap drinks promotions must end.

The Environment Minister has also said he will consider forcing nightclubs to close earlier as he wages war on Ulsters escalating binge drinking culture.

After meeting with representatives of the Northern Ireland pubs trade, Mr Attwood called for a ban on irresponsible drinks promotions, such as two-for-one offers and all you can drink for 10 deals.

He said that the damage caused to the licensing industry by the actions of some meant it was now time to get the house in order.

When I was DSD Minister I put into legislation a new power in respect of a ban on irresponsible drinks promotions in clubs, Mr Attwood told the Belfast Telegraph last night.

My successor is bringing forward regulations as to what irresponsible drinks promotions will be banned and will not be permitted under law.

But it is widely accepted that two-for-one and drink all that you can for 10 offers could be deemed to be irresponsible promotions, similarly deals like girlfriends drink free. Its generally accepted thats the character of drinks promotions that would be deemed to be irresponsible.

Drinks deals at knock-down prices have been under intense scrutiny following the death of 20-year-old Joby Murphy in January.

The young north Belfast man had been drinking vodka priced at 1 a shot at a nightclub before he fell into the River Lagan and drowned.

After The Pubs of Ulster yesterday launched a code of conduct for its members, Mr Attwood vowed to make it tougher for pubs and clubs to get and retain licences.

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Northern Ireland minister Attwood goes to war on cheap booze promos