Publicans call on the Government to tackle the promotion of cheap alcohol
The Vintners’ Federation kicked off its three-day annual conference, in Westport yesterday with the call for such measures to be included in the Public Health Alcohol Bill, which is currently being drafted by the Department of Health.
Addressing delegates, VFI chief executive, Padraig Cribben, noted the “deep disappointment” felt by the federation over what he referred to as, “the consistent failure of the Government” to implement health codes.
“The Public Health Alcohol Bill has been continuously delayed and, as we are heading to another summer break, the VFI urges the Government to urgently address the sale and promotion of cheap alcohol, introduce the ban on price-based advertising and bring in the statutory code of practice in respect of segregation,” he said.
“This industry also needs relief from the current penal rate of excise. At a time when we are enticing more tourists, our country already has one of the highest levels of excise in the EU,” he said.
The VFI is also aiming to highlight the economic benefit of the pub; noting that the on-licence sector employed 52,000 people last year, the average pub employs six people, 64% of VFI-related pubs turn to local suppliers for produce, and the total on-licence sector wage bill is just under €1.2bn.
“The economic benefit of the Irish pub is there for everyone to see,” according to Mr Cribben.
“Accounting for over 50,000 jobs and contributing over €20m in employment-related taxes alone is ample evidence of that. Furthermore we have played — and continue to play — a pivotal role in Irish tourism. Recent research shows that over 80% of tourists use the pub for food and/or entertainment and it is the number one attraction.”
