Vintners reject blame for alcohol abuse by their customers

BLAMING publicans for alcohol abuse is like blaming petrol station owners for road deaths, the Vintners Federation of Ireland said yesterday.

Chief executive Tadhg O’Sullivan said publicans would strongly resist any attempt to introduce increased taxation on alcohol, a lowered drink driving limit or liability for publicans who continue to serve drunk customers.

In a staunch defence of publicans, he said people had to take personal responsibility for their actions: “We are an easy target but, for someone to suggest that when I get drunk it is a publican’s fault, doesn’t make sense. Is it the responsibility of the fellow who serves petrol, because I tear down the road at 100 miles an hour and kill somebody? My God, have we any sense of balance at all?”