Labour proposes levy on drinks

The Labour Party is proposing a levy on drinks companies and the cutting of the legal driving limit in a new policy document on alcohol abuse launched today.

The party says it wants to foster a culture of responsibility among Irish people to counteract widespread binge drinking.

Labour's justice spokesperson Joe Costello says alcohol companies should be levied the same amount of money they spend on advertising.

"I think that would be a good rule of thumb that we look at the €38m that is spent on advertising.

"We should be looking towards undoing the damage that is very often caused by advertising which is directed at young people."