Drinks industry: Retail ban would be draconian move

The Government should consider banning outright the sale of alcohol in supermarkets, shops and garages if a statutory code on the area did not work.

The radical measure, proposed by the Oireachtas health committee in a special report, was described as “draconian” by the drinks industry last night.

The Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland — representing drink manufacturers and suppliers — also questioned the committee’s backing of minimum pricing for alcohol, but welcomed other aspects of the report.