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.
26 August 2009
5,000 Pub Jobs Lost In 12 Months
A leading publicans group has called on the Government to protect the jobs of bar workers after almost 5,000 jobs were lost in the sector in the last year. The Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI), said yesterday that the industry was in turmoil with the closure of 1,700 pubs in the past five years – with 250 alone in the last 12 months.
5,000 Pub Jobs Lost In 12 Months
A leading publicans group has called on the Government to protect the jobs of bar workers after almost 5,000 jobs were lost in the sector in the last year. The Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI), said yesterday that the industry was in turmoil with the closure of 1,700 pubs in the past five years – with 250 alone in the last 12 months.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
