Plans to liberalise drink sales criticised
Controversy surrounding proposals by the Government to deregulate the off-licence trade ensured the occasion was marked by people who had “a little whine.”
John Shiel, chairman of the show’s organisers, the National Off-Licence Association, claimed any plans which would relax licensing controls would be detrimental to the industry’s efforts to deal with the problem of alcohol abuse.
“It is grossly irresponsible of legislators to liberalise the sale of alcohol at a time when the alcohol abuse problem is already so prevalent, not least due to the absence of a proper mandatory ID card scheme in Ireland,” said Mr Shiel.
The NOfLA chairman said proposals that would result in a large number of off-licences, with often inexperienced staff, had demonstrated “some legislators in the last administration had lost the plot.”
However, the Tánaiste Mary Harney insisted she wasn’t looking at the world of off-licences through rosé-tinted glasses.
“I believe competition provides a better quality of service and value to the consumer,” said Ms Harney, in vintage form.
She remarked how she noticed during a recent holiday in Spain that the exact same bottles of wine cost a lot less than in Ireland, even after excluding the various government taxes. “If NOfLA’s arguments (on underage drinking) were taken seriously, we would probably want to close down all off-licences, and I’m sure nobody wants that,” commented the Tánaiste.
Proving that it wasn’t a case of sour grapes, she also praised recent initiatives by the trade to tackle the problem.
Both sides, however, agreed on the increasing importance of the wine market in Ireland with annual sales now worth 450m and growing at an average rate of 15% per annum. The highlights of this year’s show was the announcement of the Australian Wolf Blass President’s Selection Chardonnay 2001 as Wine of the Year.
It was described by a panel of experts as “soft creamy with rich toffee and toasty tones” and “a great wine, with plenty of style and sophistication.”
NOfLA also named 13 other wines and champagnes under various price categories as part of their 2002 Gold Star Awards Collection to assist customers in identifying wines which represent excellent quality and value for money.
