Publicans voted ‘biggest rip-off merchants’

PUBLICANS are the biggest rip-off merchants in the country, according to the findings of a survey of various professions.

Vintners received just over half of all 8,000 votes submitted in a Fine Gael poll designed to identify sectors believed to be systematically overcharging consumers.

Fine Gael enterprise spokesperson Phil Hogan said the study highlighted the extent that members of the public felt aggrieved with the prices they were being charged for a range of products and services, especially in pubs.