Display ban for beer but not wine is unfair, say Irish brewers

When it comes to drinking, the Irish government seems to trust citizens who like wine far more than those who prefer beer and spirits.

In an effort to clamp down on rising drink-fuelled anti-social behaviour, as well as improve public health, the government has proposed in its Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 that there should be a ban on beers and whiskies being on open display in the aisles of small to medium-sized shops. Yet an amendment to the act would allow customers to browse freely around displays of wine.



The Irish Brewers Association (IBA) has accused the Department of Justice of discriminating against beer and spirits drinkers. The IBA confirmed this weekend that it is considering a legal challenge, saying it fears the ban would lead to job losses and shop closures.

'It's grossly unfair to suggest that Irish wine drinkers are more responsible than beer or spirits drinkers,' said Stephen Lynam, the IBA's chief executive, adding that the proposal also created a disadvantage for products in competition with wine. 'The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has already determined beer and wine to be competing products and obliges the Irish government to tax wine and beer on a basis which is non-discriminatory,' he said. 'The proposed amendment could therefore be counter to the ECJ finding and be open to legal challenge.'