Drink tax threatens 9,000 jobs, says sector

THE Irish drinks industry has called on the Government to avoid raising taxes on alcohol in next month’s supplementary budget amid warnings that 9,000 jobs in the sector are at risk if there is any further increase in excise or VAT.

The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland yesterday expressed concern about the sharp downturn in business after it reported that 2008 was the worst performing year for both the pub and off-licence trade in 25 years.

Overall, alcohol consumption fell by 5.9% last year, while total sales fell by 2.5% to €6.9 million.