Think-tank gives positive report on tourism industry

A TOURISM think-tank’s first report has given an upbeat account of the industry to the Government.

Minister for Tourism John O’Donoghue presented the first report of the Tourism Action Group to the Cabinet yesterday.

The report, entitled New Horizons for Ireland’s Tourism, will be published in the coming week. According to a Government spokesperson, the report is understood to give a very positive account of last year’s tourism market.

Also related to the pub, hotel and restaurant trade, the Government is still considering what action to take on the 9pm ban on children and the new vodka sachets.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell is considering extending the 9pm ban to 10pm during summer and continues to consult with interested parties on the matter. The he minister met with vintners’ representatives yesterday to discuss the 9pm ban and other issues.

Setting the stage for a relaxation of the ban, Mr McDowell’s party colleagues in the Progressive Democrats urged the extension of the ban to 10pm at their two-day strategy review.

The minister will soon publish a comprehensive bill to govern the liquor licensing sector and any amendment to the time limit on children in pubs is expected to be contained in that bill.

Health Minister Micheál Martin raised the matter of the vodka sachets, alleged to be aimed at underage and young drinkers, with his ministerial colleagues yesterday.

The minister said last week that the Government would examine putting a tax on the product, similar to alcopops, to make it less attractive and affordable to potential consumers.