Senators warn of job losses over minimum alcohol pricing

Fine Gael senators have warned that the introduction of minimum alcohol pricing will see job losses and floods of shoppers crossing the border if changes are not enacted in the North at the same time.

Radical legislation to reduce drink advertising, to ban below-cost sales, and to segregate the sale of alcohol products in shops was reintroduced in the Seanad yesterday.

James Reilly, the former health minister, said alcohol is to blame for suicides, absenteeism in workplaces, rape, road traffic accidents, and unwanted pregnancies.