Pub chain Wetherspoon still plans massive Irish expansion and is against minimum pricing.
Wetherspoon still plan to open up to 30 new pubs in Ireland despite calls from Fine Gael to set minimum prices for alcohol.
Dun Laoghaire-based Government TD Mary Mitchell O’Connor and Alcohol Action Ireland have called for the immediate introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) – not just in off-licences, but also in pubs.
The move comes amid concerns that people in their late teens and early 20s are binge drinking and endangering their lives.
Wetherspoon spokesperson Eddie Gershon says that any draft legislation in January will be opposed.
“We are completely against it. But if minimum pricing came in, it wouldn’t stop us from expanding here,” he told the Sunday Independent.
“However, we would remain vociferous in our opposition to it.”
Wetherspoon sell pints for an average of €2 less cheaper than competing pubs in South Dublin, with cheaper wine and spirits also on sale.
Gershon, however, insists that they are not looking to attract binge drinkers.
“It’s not a volume thing. It’s more of a corporate policy to keep prices down,” he added.
Deputy Mitchell O’Connor says the availability of cheap alcohol needs to be stamped out.
“It’s not only threatening the livelihoods of local publicans but putting lives at stake,” she said.
“Irish people are among the heaviest drinkers in Europe, and we have a particular issue with young people binge drinking. It is extremely important to counteract below-cost selling while still ensuring the continued success of businesses.”
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