Vintners blame supermarkets for binge drinking

BINGE DRINKING by youngsters is being fuelled by the sale of cheap alcohol in supermarkets and garages, according to the president of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland.

At the same time, rural communities are becoming increasingly isolated by the lack of proper public transport, Paul Stevenson told his organisation’s annual conference yesterday.

Speaking at the VFI’s AGM in Monaghan, Mr Stevenson called on the incoming government to address the widespread accessibility of low-cost alcohol in supermarkets, petrol stations, mini-markets and newsagents.