Charity slams drinks industry call for tax cut

Alcohol Action Ireland has criticised attempts by the drinks industry to use Brexit as a way to secure a 15% reduction in tax on alcoholic drinks.

Last month, the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) used its pre-budget submission to demand the reduction. It said a cut in alcohol excise was a “vital response to the new and immediate effect of the uncertainty caused by Brexit”.

Yesterday, DIGI’s Support Your Local campaign again raised the 15% reduction and said that a report it had commissioned DCU economist Tony Foley to complete highlighted the “massive and far-reaching” role of the drinks and hospitality sector in supporting Ireland’s tourism.