Menu
27/05/2009
Jobs At Risk As Alcohol Sales Take 'Unprecedented Decline'
The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) has revealed alcohol sales fell by a huge 13% compared to the first quarter of last year - leaving jobs in jeopardy.
DIGI Chairman Kieran Tobin said the fall in alcohol sales was unprecedented and warned that jobs could go across the sector, particular in businesses located in the border region.
He said the figures confirmed fears that the major increase in cross-border shopping, combined with the economic downturn had exacerbated the waning industry over the past few years.
The largest decline was in spirits where sales declined by 19.1%. Sales of beer were down 12.4% while sales of cider and wine fell by 12% and 10.6% respectively.
Mr Tobin said: "Cross-border shopping remains attractive even after the April UK budget because of the favourable Euro rate of exchange, lower UK VAT rate, lower UK alcohol excise levels and generally lower business and labour costs in Northern Ireland.
"Alcohol excise in Ireland is already very high by EU standards and adversely affects our international tourism competitiveness.
"The Commission on taxation report should take account of the comparatively high alcohol taxation in its recommendations for a reformed tax system."
Mr Tobin added the group was also determined to work with Government to find ways to support the industry and the 90,000 people it employs in pubs, off-licences, production units, visitor centres, hotels, nightclubs and restaurants throughout Ireland.
(DW/BMcC)
DIGI Chairman Kieran Tobin said the fall in alcohol sales was unprecedented and warned that jobs could go across the sector, particular in businesses located in the border region.
He said the figures confirmed fears that the major increase in cross-border shopping, combined with the economic downturn had exacerbated the waning industry over the past few years.
The largest decline was in spirits where sales declined by 19.1%. Sales of beer were down 12.4% while sales of cider and wine fell by 12% and 10.6% respectively.
Mr Tobin said: "Cross-border shopping remains attractive even after the April UK budget because of the favourable Euro rate of exchange, lower UK VAT rate, lower UK alcohol excise levels and generally lower business and labour costs in Northern Ireland.
"Alcohol excise in Ireland is already very high by EU standards and adversely affects our international tourism competitiveness.
"The Commission on taxation report should take account of the comparatively high alcohol taxation in its recommendations for a reformed tax system."
Mr Tobin added the group was also determined to work with Government to find ways to support the industry and the 90,000 people it employs in pubs, off-licences, production units, visitor centres, hotels, nightclubs and restaurants throughout Ireland.
(DW/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 August 2002
Recruitment companies merge for local market
Sales Placement and Contract People, who operate in Belfast and Dublin, have now joined forces in Northern Ireland to provide specialist sales and marketing recruitment. With its head office in Belfast, the new company will be called Sales Placement Contract People.
Recruitment companies merge for local market
Sales Placement and Contract People, who operate in Belfast and Dublin, have now joined forces in Northern Ireland to provide specialist sales and marketing recruitment. With its head office in Belfast, the new company will be called Sales Placement Contract People.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy morning with a few showers at times. Becoming dry in the afternoon and staying mainly cloudy, but some sunshine breaking through particularly in the east. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:Quite cloudy across all counties at first but clear spells most likely towards Down and Antrim, becoming widespread through the evening and overnight. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
