Drinks industry rejects call for increased alcohol taxation

The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland has rejected calls for increased taxation of alcohol in an effort to combat excessive consumption and particularly binge-drinking.

The call was contained in a report from the Government’s task force on alcohol that was published earlier today.

However, DIGI chairman Richard Dunne claimed high taxes would not solve the problem.

“We have the second-highest level of excise duty on beer and spirits in this country [and] the highest excise duty on wine for quite a number of years, and it didn’t seem to solve the problem,” he said.

Mr Dunne also insisted that a majority of Irish people drink sensibly and should not be punished for the actions of a minority.