Fall in alcohol duty ‘will reduce exodus to North’

THE reduction in excise duty on alcohol will go a little way towards reducing the numbers of Republic- based shoppers going North for bargains and will greatly aid Irish retailers, according to the IBEC-affiliated industry representative body, Retail Ireland.

“The retail sector has been in a crisis for the last year, with falling consumer demand and a steep rise in the numbers travelling North to shop. Over 30,000 retailers have lost their jobs and 2010 is set to be another very difficult year. Given this very depressing vista, the budget provides some welcome news,” said Retail Ireland director Torlach Denihan.

“The decision to cut excise duty should help reduce the numbers going North. According to the Commission on Taxation, Irish consumers are subject to among the highest alcohol taxes in Europe and this has been a major factor in encouraging cross-Border shopping.