CSNA rejects limiting liquor licences

The Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association, which represents newsagents, convenience stores, mini-marts, garage forecourts and other outlets, has expressed its opposition to any suggestion by the Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health Jerry Buttimer, that outlets other than public houses and independent off-licences should be denied a licence to sell alcohol.

CSNA Chief Executive Vincent Jennings told Drinks Industry Ireland that his members rejected comments made to this effect by Jerry Buttimer in press releases and on radio at the time of the publication of his Committee’s Report on the Misuse of Alcohol and Other Drugs some months ago.
“Unless there are good reasons to the effect that we’re so out of line with traditional premises such as pubs and off-licences, then we see no good reason for our members being excluded from the right to sell alcohol. Why should my members be singled out?” he asked, “As long as they meet the licensing criteria then they shouldn’t be treated in such a fashion just because they engage in other forms of activity too.
“We can fully accept that the sale of alcohol should be treated in a responsible fashion but that does not mean that it should be restricted only to public houses and specialist off-licences.”