50 OFF-TRADE NEWS
Retail groups call for alcohol licensing system to be streamlined Retailer representative groups, the CSNA and RGDATA have called for the alcohol licensing system to be simplified and streamlined and for the same rules and regulations to apply to online retailers and remote deliveries as bricks and mortar mixed traders. RGDATA called for the changes to be made in a submission to the Department of Justice, which is currently carrying out a full review of the alcohol licensing system. In its submission, RGDATA outlined its belief that the regulatory structure for online sales of alcohol needs to be updated, in order to ensure that the controls that apply to in-person sales, are replicated in an online environment. The association also made a number of pertinent points regarding licensing applications. These include removing the need to make an application to a court to secure a full off-licence. “There is no reason why such an application could not be made administratively to the Revenue, with notice to other relevant entities including gardaí, etc,” the association stated. “There should of course be some option for an appeal to the District Court where an issue arises concerning an application or renewal of a licence, but judicial involvement should be the exception rather than the norm.”
Retail associations say the regulatory structure for online sales of alcohol needs to be updated
The Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA) has also provided its considered views on several aspects relating to the licensing and sale of alcohol to the Department of Justice. The CSNA has likewise sought changes to the application and court system. While the association accepts there is a judicial aspect to new licences and transferrals, it believes renewals are an administrative function and should be carried out by Revenue and the National Excise Licence Office (NELO). The association has demanded that Sunday restrictions be rescinded and that shops are permitted to sell alcohol at the same (10.30am) time allowed on the other days of the week. Finally, the CSNA has asked the department to arrange the annual publication of statistics regarding test purchasing of alcohol by underage volunteers working alongside AGS. These statistics should include the instances of each style of licence visited and the outcomes by individual garda divisions.
Top bar talent to judge London Spirits Competition
Judged by top names in the drinks industry, this year’s London Spirits Competition is now open for entries
The Ritz, The Stafford, The Connaught Bar, Gleneagles, Roka, 45 Park Lane and Dukes Hotel are just some of the prestigious names on the judging panel for the London Spirits Competition. This competition has worked in the last few years to build up the pedigree of its judges and to ensure they all have direct buying responsibilities and understand the disciplines by which certain spirits are chosen to go on a drinks or cocktail list or not. As the competition is focused on quality, design, packaging and value for money, it requires judges
Shoppers cross border for cheap alcohol A lot of people are heading north of the border in search of their favourite tipple, according to a recent report in The Irish Times. “In the car park at Asda in Enniskillen at lunchtime on Saturday, every second car seemed to have a southern registration plate,” journalist Marese McDonagh reported. However, Ossie Costello, owner of the Bank Bar and off-licence in Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, said he has mixed feelings about the introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) on 4 January, because the playing field in the Republic has been levelled. “Before Christmas supermarkets were selling slabs of beer for €15 and I was paying €35-€40 for the same thing. It was crazy,” he said. Minimum unit pricing was the cover story of our January issue
ShelfLife February 2022 | www.shelflife.ie
that have the professional experience of analysing spirits in all aspects of their commercial competitiveness. Points are allocated in all these key areas to come up with an overall score that will determine what medal, or not, a particular spirit is given. For any distiller, brand owner, or producer, the competition is an opportunity to have your products assessed by the top premium on-trade spirits buyers in the country. The 2022 entry process is now open, enter your brands at www.londonspiritscompetition.com before the submission closes on 28 February and grow your brand in 2022.
Non-alcoholic beer’s market share grew by 175% over a three-year period, from 0.4% in 2017 to 1.1% in 2020
Non-alcoholic beer sales up by 129% between 2017 and 2020 Non-alcoholic beer has become increasingly popular in Ireland in recent years, and this trend is set to continue in 2022, according to Drinks Ireland|Beer, which represents Irish beer makers. The latest data from Drinks Ireland|Beer estimates that non-alcoholic beer sales in Ireland grew by 129% between 2017 and 2020, from 1.79 million to 4.12 million litres. Meanwhile, the market share grew by 175% during this time, from 0.4% in 2017 to 1.1% in 2020. Internationally, the non-alcoholic beer category is predicted to grow annually by 8.7% between 2021 and 2025.
Drinkaware offers free mental health resource Drinkaware, the national charity working to reduce and prevent the misuse of alcohol in Ireland, is offering a free mental health resource to the public. The resource is available to order online and will be sent directly free of charge. The 2021 Drinkaware Barometer found that 61% of adults in Ireland cite coping as a reason to drink alcohol, but this can have unintended consequences. It can contribute to the development and/or worsening of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Order a free booklet at: www.drinkaware.ie/order-resources.
