Soft-drinks manufacturers seek crackdown on cheap alcohol

The body representing soft-drink manufacturers is calling on the Government to ban the sale of heavily discounted alcohol in supermarkets, shops and service stations.

The Beverage Council of Ireland is also calling for the strict segregation of alcohol in such outlets so that it can be fenced off outside legal selling hours.

It says the Government has a responsibility to curb the availability of drink deals in an effort to cut down on alcohol abuse and underage drinking.