Harney wants cheaper soft drinks in pubs

TÁNAISTE Mary Harney said yesterday people should not pay high prices for soft drinks and fruit juices in pubs.

She told a major drinks industry conference she couldn't understand why soft drinks that could be bought by publicans for 30 cent could be sold over the counter for €1.20.

"It's time the publicans realised we're not price insensitive to these things. Consumers should not pay those high prices. If there's a market response to high prices, it will bring prices down," she said.