The price of some drinks at the chain’s 713 pubs have been slashed, with a pint of beer now as little as 99p, a bottle of wine only £4.99 and a tot of rum just £1.29.

Wetherspoon pubs include The Capitol in Dundee’s Seagate, the Counting House in Reform Street, the Corn Exchange in Arbroath, the Capital Asset in Perth, the Golden Acorn in Glenrothes and the Robert Nairn in Kirkcaldy.

“I think it’s quite sad,” said Ms Claridge. “It goes against what the Scottish Government is trying to look at in changing our alcohol culture.

“One thing they are seriously looking at is raising the price of alcohol rather than lowering prices, because it’s far too available and it’s far too cheap.

“Unlike the independent landlords, Wetherspoon’s are able to promote these offers because they have the buying power behind them, just like the major supermarket powers.

“That’s what we are trying to stop.

“We are trying to change attitudes and for the first time we’ve now got major people involved like the Scottish Government, the NHS, and other agencies, all working together.

“Wetherspoon’s should be getting round that table with these agencies listening to these people rather than offering drinks at irresponsible prices.

“I would have thought the Licensing Board would have had something to say about this.

“Dundee has the second-highest number of women dying from drink-related deaths in the country.”

A spokesman for Dundee City Council said, “The Licensing Board has not received any complaints on this national pricing initiative by one particular pub chain.

“If it did then the board would have to look at it in the context of any complaint.”

Wetherspoon refuted claims that its offers would encourage irresponsible drinking.

Its chief executive John Hutson said, “People enjoy going to the pub. We appreciate that the economic downturn means that they now have to be more careful with their money.

“We believe that our new food and drink prices will allow people to enjoy a visit to a Wetherspoon pub without it costing them too much.

“Unlike most sales that start in January, our offers will not be ending within days, but will run indefinitely.

“We are offering leading brands of drinks at excellent prices and the choice means there is something on offer to suit most tastes. As always, our staff will serve customers responsibly.”

Mark Hastings, of the British Beer and Pub Association, said people could stay at home and drink beer from supermarkets much more cheaply, whereas pubs offered a more responsible environment.