Drinks industry “without political allies”

The drinks industry at the moment remains “without political allies” according to Bart Storan who's leading the nationwide campaign against cheap alcohol in the supermarkets and in favour of reducing the excise on alcohol in this country (see Drinks Industry Ireland, May issue, page 36 or online at 4964).

He told delegates attending the 41st VFI Conference in Westport that the industry has to focus on the substantive contribution it makes to the national economy.

As a result, over the next few months, the campaign will continue demonstrating the industry’s local impact at festivals throughout the Summer and it will continue to build on relationships with other organisations.

It will also hold a series of media events to highlight key issues of importance to the drinks industry with one – the importance of the industry to tourism – to be held in the near future, he stated.

“This is all to put pressure on Government to consider the industry in policies and Budget decisions,” he said.