Publicans blamed for the surge in the price of alcohol that is contributing to a rise in inflation.
In the past year, the price of alcoholic drink has increased by five per cent and publicans are being blamed for profiteering.
Sunshine and beer on the banks of the Grand Canal in Dublin but punters are paying through the nose for the pleasure.
One customer complains that it now costs over £3 a pint, compared to England where a pint can be bought for as low as £1.20. Another says that there should be no difference in the price of a drink between urban and rural pubs. Raymond Maher, manager at The Barge, says that prices need to be viewed in terms of the service offered.
Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy, puts the blame for excessive prices on publicans. Minister for Health, Micheál Martin says that the government was examining the introduction of price controls to stem inflation. This was a view echoed by Minister for Justice John O'Donoghue who said there is the possibility of the government introducing a prices order.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern spoke in the Dáil about anti-competitive practices in the alcohol industry. He referred to,
The price of profiteering which is extraordinarily excessive.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 13 June 2000. The reporter is Teresa Mannion.
