VFI unhappy with Tanaiste's de-regulation comments

The Vintners Federation of Ireland has criticised government plans to de-regulate the industry and claims many towns actually have too many pubs.

The VFI, which represents most publicans outside of Dublin, said even the Competition Authority admits that Ireland is "overpubbed".

The 6,000-member body was reacting to comments by the Tánaiste in the wake of an OECD report that she would like to see cafés serving alcohol.

It said the government is wrong to focus on the bar aspect of the report.

It points out that some towns, such as Mohill, Co Leitrim, have one pub for every 40 people, and others, like Athy, Co Kildare have one for every 120 residents.