BCI asks Govt to target below-cost drink sales

The Beverage Council of Ireland (BCI), the representative body for the alcoholic and non-alcoholic sectors, today urged the Government to introduce a ban on below-cost selling of alcohol in supermarkets.

The call was made by the BCI President, Edward McDaid, at their annual conference in Galway where he accused the Government of failing to take appropriate action to counteract alcohol abuse.

"Government inaction on this issue is totally at variance with both industry and public policy endeavours to promote responsible drinking," he said.

"The reality is that the repeal of the Groceries Order ban on below-cost selling has now led to the widespread sale and promotion of alcohol at prices considerably below cost."