Sport ‘will suffer’ from alcohol sponsorship ban

A proposed ban on alcohol sponsorship will have a “detrimental effect” on Irish sport, an umbrella organisation has told an Oireachtas committee.

Running legend and senator Eamonn Coghlan said sport was being left “hung out to dry” under the plans, while fellow committee member Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan said alcohol sponsorship had a “corrosive” effect on sport.

The Oireachtas Transport Committee was told by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland that the €30m-€40m it spent on sports and events sponsorship per year resulted in a €500m boost to local economies.