Irish drink manufacturers say minimum pricing is 'no silver bullet' for tackling alcohol misuse

A Scottish court’s ruling could smooth the way for similar measures in Ireland.

By Conor McMahon Deputy editor, Fora

WHILE HEALTH GROUPS have welcomed a Scottish court’s decision to allow for the minimum pricing of alcohol, Irish drinks producers have warned that the measure is “not a silver bullet” for tacking alcohol misuse.

A court in Edinburgh cleared the Scottish government to introduce minimum pricing legislation that was first brought before parliament in 2012.

The decision, which followed an earlier referral to the European Court of Justice, is of interest to Irish lawmakers because similar legislation is currently before the Oireachtas and is due to be debated in the Seanad next Wednesday.

Reacting to the ruling, the Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI), which represents drinks manufacturers and suppliers, urged the government to ”reflect on today’s decision carefully before similar measures are introduced in this country”.

ABFI director Ross Mac Mathúna said: “Given that we already pay the highest price and amongst the highest taxes in the EU for alcohol, it’s evident that price is not a silver bullet for tackling alcohol misuse.”

Cross-border shopping

Mac Mathúna also asked the government to “be mindful of the border with Northern Ireland when considering whether to proceed with the introduction of minimum unit pricing”.

He claimed that the decline of the pound sterling and increase in cross-border shopping would do “little to address the harm” if the price of alcohol south of the border was increased.

Shopping Meccas for Irish Public Shopping in Newry
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Minimum unit pricing, or MUP, is based on the amount of pure alcohol in a product, measured in grams.

One standard drink in Ireland contains 10 grams of alcohol and the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill provides for a minimum unit price of €1 per standard drink.

‘Irresponsible’

The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland, which represents publicans, welcomed the decision, calling for the “speedy implementation” of minimum pricing measures outlined in Ireland’s Public Health (Alcohol) Bill.

The National Off-Licence Association also urged the government “to push ahead” and introduce the measure in Ireland.

“The introduction of (minimum unit pricing) will help tackle the irresponsible retail of alcohol at ultra-cheap prices,” it said.

Both groups have campaigned against cut-price alcohol sales in the major supermarket and convenience-store chains.

Meanwhile, Irish responsible drinking campaigners said the measure would “save lives and reduce alcohol harm”.

Rugby star's sister becomes charity director Alcohol Action Ireland CEO Suzanne Costello
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A spokesman for Alcohol Action Ireland said: “The targeted approach of MUP is important as the strongest, cheapest alcohol products are those generally favoured by the heaviest drinkers among us.

“Ultimately, this is a measure that can save lives and reduce alcohol harm in Ireland, as part of the range of evidence-based measures contained in the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill,” he said.

With reporting by Garreth MacNamee.