Minister urges against vodka sachets

Health Minister Micheál Martin appealed to off licences not to stock controversial vodka sachets which hit the Irish market today.

Mr Martin joined the growing protest against the Vodka Bullseye Baggies, which contain a 30ml shot of the spirit.

He said: “I am very concerned about the vodka sachets and would regard it as an unacceptable development.

“It runs counter to attempts to combat underage drinking.”

Outraged vintners have called for the sachets produced by the Dublin-based Little Drinks Company to be banned.

Seamus O’Donoghue, president of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI), urged members not to stock the sachets and called on Justice Minister Michael McDowell to make an order banning it before it hits off licences nationwide.

“They would appear to fit into the category of drinks that we actively and strongly discourage our members from stocking,” he said.

“The VFI has worked hard to prevent the introduction of certain drinks that are clearly targeting young people and does not endorse the practice of deep discounting or drinks promotions that might encourage binge or excessive drinking.”

Mr McDowell has also expressed serious concerns about the product and will discuss ways of controlling its supply with the health minister.

Mr Martin said the organisers of underage events would find it difficult to monitor and know what was going to happen.

The Government moved to quash concerns about “alcopops” by raising their prices through taxation.

“That has had the desired impact in reducing consumption of spirits,” Mr Martin said.

The minister said he would consult colleagues over the issue.

But he said he did not know if a product could be legislated against because of the way it was packaged.

Manufacturers claim the vodka sachets are targeting women in their 20s and 30s who might use them when entertaining at home.

But it is feared that the small sachets, costing just €1.50, will appeal to youngsters.

The VFI, which represents 6,000 publicans, claims to have a very strict code against such products, but it is believed it may be difficult to legally ban such a product.