42 NOFFLA NEWS
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2021 AGM: Chairman’s report highlights association’s achievements and industry developments
The National Off-Licence Association AGM was held virtually on Thursday, 18 November 2021. NOffLA chairman Gary O’Donovan welcomed all attendees and took the opportunity to provide a brief update on the association’s work over the past 12 months Public Health (Alcohol) Act Firstly, Gary O’Donovan covered the ramifications of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act. This legislation has implications for all aspects of our industry and is being phased in over a number of years. Structural separation which limits how alcohol can be displayed and advertised in mixed retail outlets, was introduced in November 2020. Next, in January 2021, regulations on alcohol promotions came into effect, introducing restrictions on loyalty cards, vouchers and shortterm price promotions. Then in November 2021, new laws restricting advertising alcohol during sports and children’s events came into effect. These laws also restrict alcohol sponsorship of certain events, such as events aimed at children or events involving racing or motor vehicles.
Minimum unit pricing (MUP) The most significant development over the last 12 months is that minimum unit pricing was commenced in the Republic of Ireland on 4 January of this year, O’Donovan continued. NOffLA welcomed the Minister for Health’s decision last year to commence MUP in the Republic of Ireland. It is the association’s view that MUP should be introduced in Northern Ireland as soon as possible and that an allisland approach to alcohol pricing would be in the best interests of public health. In the coming months, NOffLA will be continuing its political engagements to expedite implementation of MUP in Northern Ireland as a matter of priority. As always, if any members have questions
ShelfLife January 2022 | www.shelflife.ie
NOffLA chairman Gary O’Donovan said the commencement of minimum unit pricing was the most significant development to have occurred during the past 12 months within the off-trade sector
regarding the Alcohol Act, please do get in touch with the association. NOffLA’s colleagues at Hume Brophy are always here to help.
Budget and excise Budget 2022 marks the next stage of the government’s policy response to Covid-19, which is aiding the economic recovery while also bringing public finances back under control, after record levels of government spending in response to the initial stages of the pandemic. In its Pre-Budget Submission this year, NOffLA called for a 7.5% reduction in excise duty in Budget 2022, followed by a similar reduction again in next year’s Budget, in order to begin to align Irish alcohol excise rates with EU levels and to protect the commercial models of businesses within the drinks sector, post Covid-19. This was in collaboration with the Budget ask of the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland and NOffLA’s drinks sector partners. In addition to this, the
association again initiated its international Wine Excise Campaign this year. Again, NOffLA would like to thank those of you that engaged with your suppliers on this. “We view it as paramount that pressure on the Irish government from wineproducing countries is maintained to gradually move the dial on Ireland’s wine excise levels, which remain the highest in Europe,” O’Donovan said. NOffLA will be continuing its excise campaign with the Department of Finance, political and industry stakeholders in 2022, highlighting the need for a reduction in light of MUP coming into effect.
It remains NOffLA’s objective that members and suppliers are recognised for this level of excellence, which the association is proud to do through the annual National Off-Licence of the Year Awards, held in November, and the NOffLA Wine Show Awards held in October. NOffLA was delighted to achieve great coverage and recognition in national media for both these events. “It’s important that the work, professionalism, and expertise of our sector is highlighted through the media activity we do around these awards and that the excellent service our members provide is given greater visibility,” O’Donovan said.
Recognition of NOffLA members
Thank you
“After a challenging year our members continue to persevere and deliver exemplary standards of service and professionalism to customers,” O’Donovan continued. “This is what sets us apart as independent, specialist retailers.”
Sadly, the association was not able to meet in person for its AGM again in 2021. However, O’Donovan nevertheless thanked attendees for their continued professionalism over the last year and for continuing to represent the off-trade sector so well.
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe announcing Budget 2022. NOffLA’s Pre-Budget submission called for a 7.5% reduction in excise duty
