Monday, February 28, 2011

Áine Collins Cork North West Fine Gael Candidate

Attention Evelyn Jones.
Chairperson

Dear Ms Jones.

Further to your letter of the 15th February please find my response below:

In relation to Point 1, the Fine Gael position is that under-cost selling by
the large retailers is wrong and especially harmful to young people or those
who may be influenced by strong marketing messages.

With regard to Point 2 we believe that you should be allowed to open until
12 midnight.

Point 3 and the issue around Section 16, Fine Gael will absolutely support
the completion of Section 16.  We as a party acknowledge the importance of
responsible retailing of alcohol.

Yours Sincerely,


Áine Collins
Millstreet Town,
County Cork.
087 2326945

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Heide Schniete CORK

Dear Evelyn Jones.
 
Thank for your letter. We are sorry that we can't answer your question. We are a movement that will empower people and has no answers to give yet only when the people have voted for it. Please feel free to look up CPPC.ie
We can see your problems and understand your concerns about the business.
We are looking fore-ward to stay in contact and when you will come to meetings and make citizens of this country aware of your problem, to discuss it and that our elected candidates can take the vote from the people to the Dail Eireann to be heart there.
 
Thank you again.
 
yours sincerely
 
Heide Schniete

Paul Doonan Cork South West Candidate

Greetings Evelyn,
Thanks for your letter which I received today.
In my opinion the off licence trade was the victim of a badly thought out, knee jerk reaction, piece of legislation.
The new hours for opening times of off licences make no logical sense at all.
Your industry must however make more of a visible and concerted effort to ensure sales to minors or for minors does not occur.
If elected I would be happy to pursue getting section 16 of the liquor bill 2008 signed and enacted.
NewVision.ie Independent alliance candidates first priority is to separate bank debt and sovereign debt in order to avoid the threat of state bankruptcy
Please consider New Vision Independent candidates for your highest preferences.
Thanks and regards,
Paul Doonan

COLM MC GRATH, INDEPENDENT, DUBLIN NORTH WEST.

Dear Ms. Jones,
Just a short note to confirm my support for the signing of Section 16 of The Liquor Bill
of June 2008 banning the use of alcohol as a promotional tool in advertising.
If elected I will pursue this matter on your behalf and seek a review of the opening hours
which should coincide with pub opening hours.
Yours sincerely,
Colm McGrath
Independent.

EAMONN ZAIDAN, INDEPENDENT ,DUBLIN SOUTH.

Eamonn Zaidan
88 Whit8church Way
Ralhfamham
Dublin 18
 
Ph: +353(0863355342

Emall:info@eamonnzaldan.ie 

22February 2011
 Dear Ms. Jones, 
Firstly let.me apologise for the delay in writing back to you but I have been extremely busy with
canvassing and catching up on correspondence.
In response to your letter dated 15 February 2011, this is my answer on this subject.

If elected, as an Independent, I would seek to reverse the Bill introduced by former Minister Dermot Aherne.I  was actually shocked to see this bill go through in the first place
All it achieved was a further attack on local businesses and their viability. In fact,
been taking steps backwards
modem Ireland has in my opinion. 

I am aware that not everyone fits into the 9-5 slot with regards to working hours.

 In response to section 3 of your letter, I would advocate that the new Minister for Justice signs Section16 of the Liquor Bill of June 2008.
 I am answering your letter based on my own viewpoint and not for populist reasons

You can see what I am all about on  my website  www.eamonnzaidan.ie

Kind regards
Eamonn

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

BRENDAN SMITH, FIANNA FAIL T.D, CAVAN, MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

Dear Evelyn,

I received your recent letter and I note the contents.


Yours sincerely
 

BRENDAN SMITH T.D.
MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

Benjamin Ashu Ashu-Arrah, AMRSC. Independent Candidate ,CorkNorth-Central

Benjamin Ashu Ashu-Arrah,
Independent Candidate
Apt 6, 12 Charlemont T' ce,
Wellington Road, Cork.


Dear Evelyn,
Thanks for your letter dated 15 February 2011 on behalf  of  the members of the National
Off-Licence Association highlighting various issues.
 

I will be having a debate with other candidatesof CorkNorth-Central on the 21st of this month with Cork FM 96, which will be broadcast on Wednesday at 10 am.

I will be asking any of them irrespective of any political party that when elected,
· 

.
They must pressure the government in power to extend off-licence opening time· to 11.30 pm.

Secondly, there should be legislation preventing supermarket from selling alcohol· below the market price .
Thirdly Section 16 of the Liquor Bill of June 2008 should be signed and enacted without
 any-delay.
I believed that any thing that can help prevent further job loss and creation of new ones
should be encourage, as this is the only way we can get out of recession.


Benjamin Ashu Ashu-Arrah, AMRSC.

MICHAEL RING . MAYO T.D, FINE GAEL. Spokesperson on Social Protection

Dear Evelyn,
Thank you very much for your letter in relation to the problems with the Off Licence.

I will revert to you as soon as possible.
With kind regards,
MICHAEL RING T.D.
Spokesperson on Social Protection

Cllr. Sean Canney Claretuam, Tuam, Co. Galway

Dear Sirs,
 I acknowledge receipt of your letter and note its contents.If elected to the Dail I confirm that I will arrange to meet you to discuss the issues which you have raised.

Yours faithfully,
 

Cllr. Sean Canney
Claretuam, 
Tuam,
Co. Galway

PETER KELLY, LONGFORD TD, FIANNA FAIL

Peter Kelly TDConstituency
Dail Eireann: Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin
Office: Dublin Road, Longford, Co. Longford. Te/:(043)334 5070 Fax:(043)334 1996 Emai/:peter.kelly@oireachtas.ie2. Te/:(01)6183913 Fax:(01)6184792 Mobi/e:(087)2529650 Web:www.peterkelly.ie





 19 February 2011


Dear Evelyn,
Many thanks for your recent letter.
If elected I will commit to getting Section 16 signed in. I am a former member of the
V.F.!. and Off Licence owner.
Sincerely,
Peter Kelly

Monday, February 21, 2011

HOW TO END BELOW COST SELLING?

The problem with trying to end below cost selling is coming up with an  mechanism that will actually work.

 A mechanism banning sales below total duty and vat will not work as on a €7 euro btl of wine this only comes to €3.20.

 A mechanism banning sales below  invoice price will just mean that the large multinational supermarkets can merely invoice the Irish division at a low price to ensure that they are not breaking the law by selling below cost. 

Alcohol is used as a driver of footfall to increase the multiples market share of Grocery.
Supermarkets  are competing against each other, using alcohol ,to increase their individual share of this market




Tesco plc  is a global grocery and general merchandising retailer headquartered in Great Britain . It is the fourth-largest retailer in the world measured by revenues  and the second-largest measured by profits (after Wal-Mart). It has stores in 14 countries across Asia,Europe and North America  and is the grocery market leader in the UK (where it has a market share of around 30%), the Republic of Ireland,Malaysia and Thailand


If we could find a solution that is actually legal under E.U. law there is an appetite to deal with the matter.
Reward offered! 



Raymond Whitehead (Dublin South) Independent

Raymond Whitehead (Dublin South) running as an independent – fully supports small businesses and family businesses.He undertakes to lobby for the 3 points mentioned in the letter.

www.directdemocracy.ie




LABOUR REPLY..Ita McAuliffe General Secretary

Evelyn Jones, Chairperson, NOFFLA
 
Dear Ms Jones,
Thank you for your letter concerning the off-licence trade.
The Labour Party Manifesto states that "the huge increase in the number of outlets supplying alcohol was a serious mistake, while the more recent restrictions on opening hours have had little discernible impact on teen drinking. Labour will take action to further restrict sales to under-age persons, notably in off-licence outlets.  We will also work at EU level to develop a European-wide agreement to phase out, or substantially reduce, alcohol-related sponsorship of sporting events."
I attach a copy of Labour's policy paper on SMEs and the Retail Sector.
Yours sincerely,
Ita McAuliffe
General Secretary

Cllr Tony McLoughlin, FineGael, Sligo

Dear Evelyn
Thank you for letter outlining the serious issues which concern your members of the National Off-Licence Association.  I hope the following will is of help to you and  and your committee.
Fine Gael will :
1     Outlaw  below cost selling of alcohol in  supermarkets.
2  Recognise the difficulties for publicans/Off Licences  with the prohibition of off sales          after 10pm.
3 Change the prohibited hours for children in public houses when food is served.
4 We are in favour of the responsible retailing  of alcohol.
Cllr Tony McLoughlin FG
Bank Building
O'Connell Street
Sligo
071919119290/0879698997
Main Street
Manorhamilton
Co Leitrim

David Bradley, Independent Christian candidate in Co. Louth.

-----Original message-----

From: DBradley@eircom.ie
Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 10:04:26 +0000
To: info@noffla.ie
Subject: To: Ms. Evelyn Jones, please


Dear Mrs. Jones,

Thank you very much indeed for your enquiry of 15 February, 2011. My
name is David Bradley and I am standing as an Independent Christian
candidate in Co. Louth. While I am greatly concerned about specific
issues around justice, fairness to the poor, the oppressed, the
downtrodden, the exploited, the low paid workers, the disabled, elderly
and infirm etc., my message in this election campaign is to speak openly
about the Gospel of Salvation, to point people and politicians to Jesus.
The promises in God's Holy Word the Bible are the ones we can believe,
not the promises of human beings. What I am urging both the electorate
and the incoming politicians to do is to involve God in all their
decision making, to seek His guidance in everything they do. If the
outgoing government had done this we would not be in our current mess -
which, as we can see, is deteriorating further each day. I am seeking
votes that I might have as strong a voice as possible to convey this
message to the incoming elected government to whom I will be quoting
from Wisdom Chapter 6, verse 3: 'for sovereignty is given to you by the
Lord and power by the Most High, who will himself probe your acts and
scrutinise your intention' and 'But seek ye first the kingdom of God,
and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you'
(Matthew 6:33).

Please be assured of my commitment, if elected, to getting Section 16
signed in, thereby acknowledging the importance of the responsible
retailing of alcohol.

I am attaching my election flyer.

Yours sincerely,

David  Bradley,
Independent Candidate,
Louth.

davo101@jesusanswers.com


***************************************************************

Saturday, February 19, 2011

It appears that Fine Gael policy is to increase Duty when only 14 months ago Fianna Fail were forced to reduce the previous year's Duty increase, due to a huge drop in revenue and an increase in cross - border shopping.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Sam Locke, Non-party, North Kerry-West Limerick

Reply from Sam Locke, Non-party, North Kerry-West Limerick.  He supports NOffLA and understands the difficulty off-licences are in as a result of shorter trading hours and that people should have the opportunity to purchase alcohol later, particularly those who do not work 9-5 jobs.  He would support reverting to previous opening hours to protect off-licences and allow family owned businesses to survive.

Mr Noonan hit out at Labour over their criticism of Fine Gael Wine Duty Increase

Mr Noonan(Fine Gael) hit out at Labour after the party ran Tesco-style national newspaper adverts mocking Fine Gael's economic policies, with the slogan 'Fine Gael -- Every Little Hurts'.
Derisory
He added: "To be taking ads in the national papers, deploring the fact that the big bad wolves in Fine Gael are going to put an extra euro on a bottle of wine and destroy your standard of living seems to me to be derisory.
"I can't understand how the Labour Party have got themselves into a position where they are criticising Fine Gael for putting a euro on a bottle of wine," he added.

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/fg-warns-of-dreadful-time-as-tax-war-rages-2546303.html

PETER MATTHEWS FINE GAEL DUBLIN SOUTH

 Peter Matthews  supports the intelligent selling of alcohol and wanted to know if there was anything else in Section 16 he should know about that he was wary of supporting something he didn’t know a lot about.He was unable to email his response as he is very busy working on the election but  was kind enough to ring us.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Matthew Parker (Caseys, Centra, Roscommon)



It is great to get  feedback on the election  and of the different stances each party employs. It would be absolutely stupid if the future government were to  implement extra taxes on wine, which then would seriously affect trade especially with existing taxes already affecting peoples weekly take home pay.
Yours sincerely
Matthew Parker (Caseys, Centra, Roscommon)
NoffLa Member

ATT: LABOUR PARTY :WINE EXCISE DUTY INCREASE WILL DISTROY OFF LICENCE EMPLOYMENT



NOffLA has been in existence for over 17 years now, and represents independent off-licence owners in Ireland, and currently represent over 330 members. The association works with its members to promote the responsible sale, marketing and consumption of alcohol, and to share best practice with the entire trade.

At present we are reviewing election manifestos as they are published and following up with the parties in question.

One issue of particular concern in your manifesto is the proposed excise duty increase on wine .. This would be a disaster for cross border trade in particular, as it would make the average bottle of wine substantially more expensive. We cannot afford for this to happen. With the erosion of our beer and spirit market share due to supermarkets using them as loss leaders, it is vital that we stay competitive for wine.

The Labour Manifesto States:
“Labour is proposing a 1% increase in the standard rate of VAT that will raise €310 million in a full year. Labour's proposals include modest increases in excise on wine and cigarettes. Labour will prioritise action to reduce losses to the Exchequer from smuggling through stronger revenue enforcement".

PLEASE  ELABORATE ON” MODEST” AS OUR MEMBERS WOULD NOT BE IN FAVOUR OF THIS.


1. There is a misleading perception that the off-licence trade is ‘doing well’ and that the shift to home consumption has been to the benefit of local off-licences.  This is not the case.
  • Our business has been decimated by the large retail groups who use the irresponsible promotion and sale of cheap alcohol as a driver of footfall into their shops.
  • These retail giants are making the survival of many small, often family owned, off-licence shops impossible.
  • Soon we will have no local shops or businesses left in our area whatsoever.

What will you do about this?

2. The reduction in off-licence trading hours to 10 pm has impacted most on the independent off-licence.
  • We need to open later to sustain and remain in business.
  • We require a return to the original hours of trading in order that we can look after our local customer (and visiting tourist) that should have the right to purchase alcohol off-sales within pub opening hours.
  • Not everyone works 9 to 5.  Many people finish work at 10pm and we are closed.
  • If we are prepared to put in more hours in order to ensure the survival of our business why can’t we?



What is the logic in differentiating between on and off-trade?
Why can we not operate pub hours?

3. The Liquor Bill of June 2008 has an important Section that the then Minister for Justice, Dermot Ahern, did not sign in.  Section 16 bans the use of alcohol as a promotional tool in advertising. It only requires the signature of the new Minister for Justice to enact this measure.  The newspapers are awash with volume deals of alcohol as the large retailers compete for their grocery market share at our expense.

If elected to government will you commit to getting Section 16 signed in and thereby acknowledge the importance of the responsible retailing of alcohol?

We look forward to your response by return in order that we can advise the members of your position.

Yours sincerely,
EVELYN JONES
Chairperson

Contact Details

Block D, Unit 6
Nutgrove Office Park
Rathfarnham
Dublin 14
Ireland
Tel +353 1 296 2326   
Fax +353 1 296 2451
 
Email evelyn@noffla.ie












ATTENTION FINE GAEL .....EXCISE DUTY INCREASE NOT ACCEPTABLE

NOffLA has been in existence for over 17 years now, and represents independent off-licence owners in Ireland, and currently represent over 330 members. The association works with its members to promote the responsible sale, marketing and consumption of alcohol, and to share best practice with the entire trade.

At present we are reviewing election manifestos as they are published and following up with the parties in question.

One issue of particular concern in your manifesto is the proposed excise duty increase on wine duty. This would be a disaster for cross border trade in particular, as it would make the average bottle of wine substantially more expensive. We cannot afford for this to happen. With the erosion of our beer and spirit market share due to supermarkets using them as loss leaders, it is vital that we stay competitive for wine.

Fine Gael Manifesto

Progressive Measures to Increase Taxation on Import-Intensive Consumption
a) Increases in standard rate of VAT to 22% in 2012 and 23% in 2013
b) €1 increase in excise duty on a bottle of wine by 2014
c) Extra VAT yield from banning below cost selling of alcohol

Please elaborate on points a) and c) as I would like to notify our membership in detail. They have already been advised to raise the matter with their local candidates



1. There is a misleading perception that the off-licence trade is ‘doing well’ and that the shift to home consumption has been to the benefit of local off-licences.  This is not the case.
  • Our business has been decimated by the large retail groups who use the irresponsible promotion and sale of cheap alcohol as a driver of footfall into their shops.
  • These retail giants are making the survival of many small, often family owned, off-licence shops impossible.
  • Soon we will have no local shops or businesses left in our area whatsoever.

What will you do about this?

2. The reduction in off-licence trading hours to 10 pm has impacted most on the independent off-licence.
  • We need to open later to sustain and remain in business.
  • We require a return to the original hours of trading in order that we can look after our local customer (and visiting tourist) that should have the right to purchase alcohol off-sales within pub opening hours.
  • Not everyone works 9 to 5.  Many people finish work at 10pm and we are closed.
  • If we are prepared to put in more hours in order to ensure the survival of our business why can’t we?



What is the logic in differentiating between on and off-trade?
Why can we not operate pub hours?

3. The Liquor Bill of June 2008 has an important Section that the then Minister for Justice, Dermot Ahern, did not sign in.  Section 16 bans the use of alcohol as a promotional tool in advertising. It only requires the signature of the new Minister for Justice to enact this measure.  The newspapers are awash with volume deals of alcohol as the large retailers compete for their grocery market share at our expense.

If elected to government will you commit to getting Section 16 signed in and thereby acknowledge the importance of the responsible retailing of alcohol?

We look forward to your response by return in order that we can advise the members of your position.

Yours sincerely,
EVELYN JONES
Chairperson

Contact Details

Block D, Unit 6
Nutgrove Office Park
Rathfarnham
Dublin 14
Ireland
Tel +353 1 296 2326   
Fax +353 1 296 2451
 
Email evelyn@noffla.ie








JAMES ADAMS , CORK NORTH CENTRAL CANDIDATE RESPONSE


Dear Evelyn,

My name is John Adams,

I am a candidate for Cork North Central,

I agree with your letter you sent to me which I received today, in fact I believe off licences could be open 24 hours a day if they wish.

I have attached a copy of my policy document.

You will see in policy number 21 the stance I will take on this issue.
21    Drink laws would be relaxed with pubs and off licences able to choose their opening hours. Why should responsible people suffer for the sins of the idiots in society? It makes no sense to have all people leaving pubs at the same time. We have lived in a Nanny state for too long.

I wish you well on your campaign, and hope to get the support of your members.
If I could put up banners in windows off licences in Cork over the next week that would be of great help.

Best wishes from John Adams


John Adams    (www.cppc.ie)    Policy Document  2011
I am a candidate in the election 2011 because I have lost respect for the majority of politicians, and I don’t trust most of them. 
If politicians were qualified to do their jobs, this would be a better country.
The world is dangerously close to tipping point where the multi nationals are in complete control.
1    Nationalize the gas fields in Mayo, and invite the government of Norway to run them as a partner.  The value of this national resource is a lot more than our debts to the I.M.F.
2   Reverse the deal Bertie Ahern made with the Catholic Church for taxpayers to pay all of the churches bills after the abuse claims.
 3   People who have power should be accountable, with severe penalties for anyone abusing their position. There has to be a system where corruption is impossible. 
4   There has to be constant consultation with the people, there should be representatives from every sector in society in committees that advise the government on policy.
 Artists should advise on Arts policy, Doctors advise on health policy, business people on economic policy, etc., etc.
5   Give priority to small business, and home grown sustainable business. 
6    The way to make Irelands economy strong and sustainable is for Irish people to manufacture and purchase Irish produce.
7    There would be a famine if we couldn't import food tomorrow.  The farmers are being paid not to grow. This is the most fertile land in the world and we grow so little food, or trees. We must make jobs and the economy sustainable, and self -sufficient.
We must be able to feed ourselves. Its not good practice just producing meat and dairy products, we could be producing so much more, in economics usually the more you produce the more money you make.
9     We shall reforest Ireland, making forestry an important industry for the future, investing in all of the spin off industries that use timber. This sector is also good for tourism, fisheries, and the environment. The natural resources we have in Ireland are perfect for developing so many industries, and natural sustainable environmentally friendly energy.
10   Tourism is one of our main potential industries making towns in Ireland more beautiful, opening up the countryside to walkers planting forests, making our prices affordable, will all help to make Ireland a more desirable place to visit. .
11   We have to reward business and people who contribute to the improvement of our country.  Business’s that promote Ireland internationally would get assistance from the state. It is through NAMA that we will force the banks to favor small Irish business.
The bureaucratic incompetence has to stop.
12    Tax incentives for doing up old property, and laws to force people to keep their property in good condition. Rates for local business should be affordable. Business that encourage and promote Irish goods should get grants and cheaper rates. Out of town shopping centers have destroyed town centers, and damaged the social fabric of Great Britain) Why copy failure?  
13   All unemployed would be offered work in these and other industries with €100 added to their allowance. They would get free travel to work, plus shares in these industries, which could be traded or sold, just like government bonds. 
14    The government should promote the arts and crafts of Ireland internationally.
15   Privately owned media will be required to show no bias towards business over people.
16    Education and facilities for the youth will be a top priority.
The record of this state in providing for our young is appalling.
We must invest in our long-term future. The children are our future.
17    In theory we must limit how much individuals own.  Lets face it no one needs to own a billion Euros. No one should wield that power.
18    Off shore bank accounts will be highly illegal.
19    A fair way to tax our citizens. 70% on earnings over €1m per year,60% on earnings over €500k, 60% over €100k, 30% over €25k,  under €25k there would be no income tax.
20   The law will favor people over big business. Violent crime, murder, robbery, corruption, and dishonesty of those in power shall all carry heavier penalties than they do now.
21    Drink laws would be relaxed with pubs and off licences able to choose their opening hours. Why should responsible people suffer for the sins of the idiots in society? It makes no sense to have all people leaving pubs at the same time. We have lived in a Nanny state for too long.
22    All drugs would be de-criminalized, so that they can be regulated by government, and taken out of the hands of criminal gang’s. The money generated could be taxed. Jobs would be created educating people of the dangers of taking drugs, and in the rehabilitation of drug users.
23    Judges and Lawyers would be regulated more. Laws would be fairer, and not favoring the rich.
24    The negative effects of the insurance industry on society will be stopped.
We got to get our house in order, by what we call good housekeeping.
Where there is a chance to create a job we would encourage it.
This is a philosophy of the long term good.
Make it a bright positive future where everyone has a stake.

15 February 2011
Dear Candidate,




Please find enclosed the serious issues which concern the members of the National Off-Licence Association, their employees and families.  Your response to this will seriously influence the order in which votes will be cast on Election Day.





1. There is a misleading perception that the off-licence trade is ‘doing well’ and that the shift to home consumption has been to the benefit of local off-licences.  This is not the case.
  • Our business has been decimated by the large retail groups who use the irresponsible promotion and sale of cheap alcohol as a driver of footfall into their shops.
  • These retail giants are making the survival of many small, often family owned, off-licence shops impossible.
  • Soon we will have no local shops or businesses left in our area whatsoever.

What will you do about this?

2. The reduction in off-licence trading hours to 10 pm has impacted most on the independent off-licence.
  • We need to open later to sustain and remain in business.
  • We require a return to the original hours of trading in order that we can look after our local customer (and visiting tourist) who should have the right to purchase alcohol off-sales within pub opening hours.
  • Not everyone works 9 to 5.  Many people finish work at 10pm and we are closed.
  • If we are prepared to put in more hours in order to ensure the survival of our business why can’t we?

What is the logic in differentiating between on and off-trade?
Why can we not operate pub hours?

3. The Liquor Bill of June 2008 has an important Section that the then Minister for Justice, Dermot Ahern, did not sign in.  Section 16 bans the use of alcohol as a promotional tool in advertising. It only requires the signature of the new Minister for Justice to enact this measure.  The newspapers are awash with volume deals of alcohol as the large retailers compete for their grocery market share at our expense.

If elected will you commit to getting Section 16 signed in and thereby acknowledge the importance of the responsible retailing of alcohol?

We look forward to your response by return in order that we can advise the members in your constituency of your position.

Yours sincerely,
EVELYN JONES
Chairperson