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Mercury bid for Christmas cheer

Landlords are putting profit before lives – that’s the verdict of the Leicester Mercury as it launches a new campaign.

The newspaper has criticised local brewers for charging sky-high prices for soft drinks.

It claims that by making non-alcoholic drinks an expensive option, pubs are undermining efforts by the police to cut down on drinking and driving.

And to force the point home, the Mercury has started the Soft Drinks Low Prices campaign to put pressure on landlords to bring down their prices.

Leicestershire police traffic inspector Alan Orton said: “I would urge the brewing companies and pub owners to have another look at their pricing policies – especially at this time of year.

“If the price of a cola or lemonade was much cheaper I think it would encourage drivers to steer clear of alcohol.”

The Mercury kicked off the campaign by visiting bars already offering low priced soft drinks.

At the Oadby Owl, customers pay £1.25 for a large glass of coke but can then keep coming back to the bar for free refills all night.

And regulars at The Swan can enjoy a large soft drink for 65p.

Now the newspaper has urged other landlords to follow suit and as an incentive, has promised to highlight pubs offering the best deals.

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