Niamh Smyth TD

Minimum Unit pricing on alcohol may lead to smuggling-TD

 

Plans by the government to introduce minimum unit pricing for alcohol wll lead to smuggling and spell the end of the off licence in Cavan and Monaghan, according to Fianna Fáil TD , Niamh Smyth. Deputy Smyth has called for a co-ordinated approach to alcohol pricing across the whole island of Ireland.

 

The Cavan/Monaghan TD said reports that minimum unit pricing are to come into effect within the next twelve months have serious implications,In forging ahead with this move the government will be essentially creating a lucrative new smuggling market and wiping out the off-licence trade in Cavan-Monaghan. The danger with implementing this as a 26-county measure and not a 32-county measure is that it only incentivises shoppers to leave their communities and shop across the border. While cheaper drinks will be the initial reason for travelling, the entire retail sector will take a hit.”

 

Support for introducing a minimum unit price has come from health experts as a means of achieving behavioural change and reducing the damage excesive alcohol consumption has on Irish society.