THE traditional yard of ale challenge could be under threat from new regulations on drinking games in pubs.

The yard of ale – in which punters attempt to drain a vase-shaped two-and-a-half-pint glass against the clock – is thought to date back to the 17th century.

The world record of 11 seconds was set by former Australian Premier Bob Hawke here in Oxford in 1963.

But new regulations, aimed at curbing binge drinking, ban pubs from encouraging drinking games or running ‘downing drink’ competitions.

Oxford City Council licensing officers will remind all publicans of the new rules – added to the Licensing Act 2003 – that include banning irresponsible promotions and games such a the ‘dentist’s chair’ where drink is poured straight into people’s mouths.

The rules also aim to ensure pubs offer small measures and free tap water to customers, and that an age verification policy is in place.

Tony Payne, licensing manager for Oxford City Council, said the new national conditions had been drawn up to tackle problems associated with binge and under-age drinking.

He said licensing officers, the Nightsafe scheme and police would be working with pubs in the city to ensure conditions were met.

He said: “We haven’t got a huge issue at the moment, but this ensures any promotions are carried out responsibly.”

Mr Payne said pubs offering small discounts on certain nights would not be affected by the conditions and that advice would be given to those who crossed the line.

He added: “We will take a light touch initially and if we see any promotion that appears to be irresponsible we will ask for it to be modified.”

As for the yard of ale, Mr Payne said: “It’s a matter of discretion.”

Oxford’s Turf Tavern, in Bath Place, was the venue for Mr Hawke’s world record in 1963.

A blackboard commemorating his feat still stands outside the pub today – although it no longer offers a yard glass.

Assistant manager Jonathan Tebbs said punters should be able to uphold a great British tradition.

He said: “I think it is something that should be allowed.

“It’s tradition.”

He said the yard of ale was not seen as a way to get drunk quickly.

He added: “The level of alcohol is different. It’s five units and you could get that in a triple Jack Daniels.

“You don’t do a yard to get drunk really quickly. There are easy ways to get really, really drunk.”

He said the blackboard commemorating Mr Hawke’s feat was a regular on Oxford’s tourist trail.