Thursday, February 17, 2011

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












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