MUP in Ireland ‘could intensify’ cross-border shopping

The introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) in the Republic of Ireland could “intensify” cross-border alcohol shopping, an Irish drinks body has warned.

The ABFI has warned that MUP in Ireland ‘could intensify cross border shopping’

The Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI) has warned that the implementation of MUP may lead consumers to cross the border to buy alcohol, which could affect the Irish economy.

ABFI, the representative body for drinks manufactures and suppliers in Ireland, said that the introduction of MUP should only be done in conjunction with Northern Ireland, and suggested that a ban on below cost selling could instead tackle the sale of cheap alcohol.

Patricia Callan, director of the ABFI, said: “The drinks industry is in favour of tackling the sale of cheap alcohol to reduce alcohol misuse.

“However, the introduction of minimum unit pricing in the Republic would intensify cross-border shopping.

“We firmly believe that any government decision about minimum unit pricing should be done alongside Northern Ireland, to ensure there isn’t a disparity. In the interim, we believe that a ban on below cost selling should be introduced to tackle the sale of cheap alcohol in a quick and effective manner.”

The calls from the ABFI come as new figures from the Central Statistics Office indicate that the total household expenditure on shopping in Northern Ireland in the 12 months to Q1 2018 was €458 million (US$524m) and that 14% of households made at least one shopping trip to Northern Ireland during the surveyed period.