Government intervention over allegations of price hiking in pubs.
Minister of State for Commerce, Science and Technology Pat Rabbitte has threatened to introduce a price fixing order following reports that some pubs have increased their prices.
Earlier this month, Dublin publicans received a ministerial rap on the knuckles over price increases. The federation representing publicans outside Dublin were today summoned to explain their position on pricing. Many complaints over pricing have come from Limerick and Galway. However, the vintners say that the complaints have been exaggerated. Paul O'Grady, President of the Vintners Federation says that they represent over six thousand publicans and there have only been a handful of complaints.
The federation said they would ask any members who have upped their prices to row back.
Tadhg O'Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Vintners Federation says that intervention regarding pricing has been made clear by the minister and the federation will now convey this to its members.
Pat Rabbitte explains that the Vintners Federation will now follow a procedure to communicate his concerns to their members and will report back.
Another row about pub prices is likely to lead to calls for the liberalisation of the licensing laws. The annual conference of the Hotels Federation held in Killarney today warned that any increases in licences would be a mistake.
The vintners argue that one thing Ireland definitely doesn't have a shortage of is pubs.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 18 February 1997. The reporter is Rachel English.
