Pub-owners seek 15% tax on alcohol sold in supermarkets

Vintners are calling for the introduction of a 15% tax on alcohol sold in supermarkets and off licences.

They say the levy could raise €240m for the exchequer and protect 50,000 jobs in pubs and restaurants.

The Vintners Federation of Ireland and the Licensed Vintners Association say the levy should be introduced in next week's Budget, ahead of any further increases in tax on alcohol.

Chief Executive of the VFI Padraig Cribben said supermarkets use promotions to target people at certain times of the month.

"All of the stores target Children's Allowance and other social welfare payments. It's highly targeted and highly irresponsible," he said.

"It's portrayed as being a consumer-friendly exercise…What a lie...The supermarkets in this country are generating the highest margins of supermarkets anywhere in Europe."