The National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) called on the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform yesterday, not to increase excise duty and to introduce measures to stop the below cost selling of alcohol.
NOffLA spokesman Jim McCabe said, “Increasing excise duty on alcohol is too often looked on as an easy political move at Budget time. However, such measures are having a devastating effect on employment and small businesses, as well as causing a reduction in taxable consumption and a subsequent rise in the Black Economy.” He said that below cost selling allows large multiple retailers to use alcohol as a loss leader, which costs the State on average €21 million each year and eliminating it would ensure higher standards.
NOffLA, which represents 315 independent specialist off-licences operating under certified responsible retailing standards, has seen over 3000 jobs lost since 2008. In 2012, 21 independent off-licences closed their doors and ceased trading. Ten have closed this year alone.
© 2013 - Checkout Magazine by Genna Patterson
