Govt 'could consider price controls on drink'

The Government has said it will consider introducing price controls if the cost of drink rises any further.

It follows Diageo's decision to push ahead with a six cent increase on all its draught beers, despite appeals against the move by the tourist industry.

Publicans are expected to add their own increase on top of that.

Tourism Minister John O'Donoghue is losing patience with the drinks industry saying: "If people are going to continue to increases the price of drink then the Government is simply going to have to look at the situation and decide whether in fact a price freeze should be brought in.

"It is not something that I would do easily or favour easily but the reality of the situation is that there are real difficulties in the economy and for our tourism industry."