The Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association (CSNA) has warned that proposals around structural separation in Section 20 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 (PHAB) could mean that many small and medium size retailers may have to shell out an estimated €5k to €60k to have their stores refitted.
Retailers may have to erect an alcohol display in a designated area not visible from the outside, or in a dark cabinet, which correlates advertising restrictions.
The bill will again be debated in the Seanad tomorrow - so the out come remains to be seen.
Ahead of the impending meeting the CSNA released a statement. Vincent Jennings, CEO of the CSNA said: “Every single retailer with a licence to sell alcohol should be seriously concerned about Section 20 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill on structural separation. The repercussions for our sector will be negative, far-reaching and immediate. Simply put, this is an anti-small business law.”
Essentially the proposed implementation of structural separation is for consumers to reduce and rethink their drinking habits. However, Jennings pointed out: “No evidence exists to show that structural separation will make any difference in terms of achieving a reduction in harmful drinking.”
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine by Donna Ahern
