Guinness fears for jobs over smoke ban

Business Correspondent

Yesterday, Guinness brewers Diageo Ireland reported preliminary results for the year to the end of June, which indicated that net sales of 970 million remained static for the year. However, compared to the same period last year operating profits of 214m were down 9% on an organic basis.

Diageo Ireland managing director Brian Duffy said: “Diageo Ireland’s performance reflected a decline in consumer confidence and weakening economic circumstances. This has resulted in a deterioration of the beverage alcohol market in Ireland.”