Vintners chiefs must explain drink price freeze

THE Competition Authority is seeking to have the chiefs executive of two publicans’ organisations brought before the High Court to explain why they should not be jailed and their organisations’ assets seized for alleged contempt arising from their announcement of a drinks price freeze.

The authority claims a price freeze, especially during a recession, is likely to result in substantial consumer harm, is banned under competition law, and breaches undertakings given to the court in settlement of earlier proceedings.

It is seeking orders for the chiefs and council members of the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) and the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) to be brought before the court to explain why they should not be imprisoned for contempt and/or should not have the assets of their organisations seized.