WHILE Smiths and Joneses were happily quaffing their fill off free booze at a drinks promotion in York, one of the product's thirsty namesakes couldn't get even a sniff.

For the Martini promotion, which saw free samples of the drink dished out from a futuristic silver dome in St Sampson's Square proved so popular that supplies had dried up when aptly-named vermouth fan Peter Martini visited.

"I couldn't believe it," said Peter, "I've had this name all my life, and just when I think it's going to earn me a few free drinks, there's not a drop to be had.

"I have had to put up with years of wisecracking but now I have missed out on my rightful reward.

"Still, I suppose I can go back before the promotion ends today and get my free drink. I should be thankful my name's not Babycham."

Mr Martini's colleague, news journalist Richard Johns, was among those who joined the Martini set tucking into the drink yesterday.

He said: "It's always a pleasure to help Martini with its promotional activities, particularly when it involves hanging out with the 'beautiful people' and supping free drinks."

The Martini Taste Dome is at St Sampson's Square serving between 11am and 6pm today. There is also a roving Martini Ford Focus car distributing drinks door to door until 8pm tomorrow.

PICTURE: NOT A DROP TO DRINK: Evening Press sports journalist Peter Martini at the Martini Bar in St Sampson's Square, York, which has been drunk dry

Picture: Steven Bradshaw