A Dublin pub's promotion aimed at Leaving Cert students last May has been described as "reprehensible" by an Independent Complaints Panel.

The Purty Kitchen in Temple Bar was the source of complaints to the panel with regard to a Leaving Cert Frat Party promotion in the weeks leading up to the exams.

The drinks promotion on a Bebo website targeted Leaving Cert students in more than 40 Dublin schools.

It advertised: “1000 people, all drinks €2; Redcups; Supersoakers; Jello Shots; Bongs; Strippers; Jaeger Olympics and Loads More – College starts here – Are you gonna pledge?”

The MEAS Code Independent Complaints Panel, which examines complaints that certain alcohol promotions may “encourage illegal, irresponsible or immoderate consumption, such as binge-drinking, drunkenness or drink-driving”, described this advertisement as “reprehensible”.

The Panel expressed “deep concern that The Purty Kitchen had targeted and advertised alcohol promotions to educational establishments where the majority of students are under the age of 18, and therefore under the legal age limit to purchase alcohol. The Panel regarded this practice as “reprehensible”.

The Panel noted that “a supersoaker is a water pistol in the shape of a machine gun. It is filled with vodka which is squirted (from the gun) into the mouths of patrons.Jello Shots involve mixing vodka with Jelly and eating it once it has set. Jaeger Olympics is a drinking game and involves drinking alcohol at a fast pace. Bongs are conical shaped containers filled with alcohol. The alcohol is consumed via a tube attached to the bong; the tube is passed from person to person”.

Among the schools listed on the Bebo website were Loreto Beaufort, Muckross, Clongowes and Notre Dame.

The Panel also upheld a complaint in relation to an alcohol promotion at “Sally O'Brien's Bar and Nightclub” in Arklow Co Wicklow. A member of the public had claimed that the event, advertised for June last, would encourage illegal or irresponsible drinking.

The nightclub had advertised the event via text message |and a Bebo website, and promised “FREE BAR between 8 & 9 and food on collection of your card”.