Boozing levels across Ireland have soared in the past two
years but are still down on pre-pandemic peak figures.
Alcohol Action Ireland has suggested that the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing could be affecting sales. Figures from Revenue show that consumption last year was 10.2 litres of pure alcohol per capita over the age of 15 – this is a 7.6% rise on 2021.
AAI says the Government target is for Ireland to reduce per capita use to 9.1 litres – originally earmarked for 2020 when set in 2013. A spokesperson for AAI said: “The 2022 level is 12% above this target.
Read more: Man 'barged past' airline staff to board Dublin Airport plane without passport or boarding pass
“It is a significant improvement on the level in 2019 which was 18.5% above the target.” The AAI group, which warns about the effect of alcohol on health, claimed the data offers “hope of progress” but insisted there are “threats on the horizon”.
Its chief, Dr Sheila Gilheany, said: “We welcome this early indicator of possible progress in Ireland’s changing relationship with alcohol. However, there is still a considerable way to go in addressing the harms from alcohol.
“There are also threats to this progress from proposals in the upcoming Sale of Alcohol Bill which aim to increase alcohol use through increased licensing hours.” Minimum Unit Pricing was introduced in January 2022.
It sets a standard price for alcohol and it cannot be sold cheaper than this price. There is a bottom price of €1 for drinks such as a half pint of beer, a small glass of wine, or pub measure of spirits, under the Public Health (Alcohol) Act.
Also under the Act, structural separation of alcohol products in shops and supermarkets is required. There are also restrictions on special offers and promotions and some measures on restricting advertising in outdoor settings.
However, AAI yesterday claimed there are “still important measures outstanding”. A spokesperson said: “These include the broadcast watershed for ads, controls on the content of ads and labelling of alcohol products with health information.
“We call on Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, to fully implement the Public Health Alcohol Act – in particular the broadcast watershed for alcohol advertising, which would help to reduce the level of alcohol advertising to which our children are exposed.”
He added: “Alcohol harm costs Ireland at least €3.7billion annually and probably twice that amount when harms to others including children, families and work life are included. At every stage when progressive alcohol policies are put forward, they are met with ferocious resistance from vested interests.”
The group has objections about the Sale of Alcohol Bill and claimed that longer licensing hours will lead to “increased alcohol use and subsequent harms”.
Its spokesperson said: “Provisional data obtained from Revenue
indicates that while alcohol consumption in 2022 has increased compared to 2021 – which was expected given the re-opening of hospitality – it has not returned to pre-pandemic levels.
“This may be an early indicator of impact from the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing of alcohol. However, more detail is needed on other areas such as patterns of alcohol use and impacts on health.”
READ NEXT:
Brave Dublin girl, 12, 'still smiling' despite losing four limbs in harrowing Strep A battle
Housing market 'completely altered' as first quarter prices fall for the first time in decade
DART+ fleet unveiled with improved wheelchair access, charging facilities and comfortable seating
Quiz: Can you identify these famous Dublin streets featured in these old pictures
To get the latest news to your inbox, sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter.
