Beamish welcomes rise in 'alcopops' prices

Alf Smiddy, managing director of Beamish and Crawford, has reacted positively to the increases in spirit and 'alcopop' prices, welcoming the minister's decision not to increase the price of beer.

Minister for Finance Charlie McCreevy today announced no increase in the excise duty on beer, while spirits were increased by 20c per measure and the duty on spirit-based 'alcopops' is being increased to the full spirit rate.

This will mean an increase of about 35c per bottle.

Mr Smiddy said, "The Minister has recognised that the Irish beer market has suffered from the growth of other alcoholic beverages and his decision will help the brewing industry in the current market environment.

"Furthermore, the current level of excise duty on beer in Ireland remains the highest in Europe, and a further increase would have thrown us completely out of line with the UK and other European countries."