An action by the Competition Authority against the two main publicans' organisations has opened in the High Court.
The case alleges contempt over the organisations' announcement of a drinks price freeze in the country's pubs.
The Competiton Authority alleges that the announcement last December of a one-year price freeze is in breach of undertakings given to the court as part of the settlement of previous legal proceedings.
The authority also claims that the price freeze breaches provisions of the Competition Act.
The Licensed Vintners Association and the Vintners Federation of Ireland deny the allegations.
