‘Reverse hike in alcohol excise’

The main representative body for the drinks industry has called for a reversal of last year’s excise increase on alcohol to be made in next month’s budget.

Any increase, the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland warned yesterday, will fail to generate the tax revenues Government is hoping for and will place further pressure on the industry.

Speaking at the launch of a report outlining the economic contribution of the sector, chairman, Peter O’Brien, said last year’s excise increase has added “substantial hardship to an industry that is already under considerable pressure”.