Duty rise may spur drinkers north

THE number of Irish shoppers crossing the border for cheap drink could grow if the Minister for Finance decides to pump up duties on alcohol in next month’s budget.

Cash-strapped families making the trip north for cheaper booze are unknowingly endangering some of the 100,000 full and part-time jobs in the drinks sector, the Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI) said.

The group, representing drinks manufacturers and suppliers, claims there has been a significant increase in cross-border trade due to the significant difference in prices for alcohol products.