The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI ) has backed calls by Alcohol Action Ireland for a minimum price for alcohol to help prevent the abuse and misuse of alcohol and the irresponsible sale and promotion of alcohol.
However, the VFI, which represents almost 4,500 pubs outside of Dublin, has warned that a blanket increase in excise is not the best method. Gerry Mellett, president of the VFI said that: “The focus must be on those who deliberately push down the price of drink such as the supermarkets that offer volume led promotions and sell alcohol like bananas or cornflakes on special offers which only encourages irresponsible consumption.”
