The price of drink will not rise until after the end of 2002, following a voluntary price freeze imposed by vintners groups.

The Minister for Consumer Affairs, Tom Kitt, has urged the Consumer Affairs Association to publish the findings of their survey into price increases since the introduction of the Euro.

The Small Firms Association is accusing the Minister for Consumer Affairs of being selective with the facts regarding claims that Irish consumers are being ripped off in comparison with other European consumers.

Minister for Consumer Affairs Tom Kitt has called on the Consumer’s Association of Ireland to publish the results of its euro survey, which found that the changeover was forcing up inflation.

The Minister for Consumer Affairs has warned that further alcohol price freezes may be imposed unless some publicans reduce the new prices they are charging since the end of the last six-month order.