The Alcohol Forum has welcomed a ruling by a Donegal Judge who has imposed a minimum price on alcohol in his jurisdiction.
In a landmark case, Judge Kevin Kilrane ruled that a minimum price of €2.50 should be imposed on all alcoholic drinks in licensed premises in Donegal.
It follows a recent drinks war in Bundoran which saw some alcholic drinks sold for just 50 cent while another premises offered a free bar to patrons for a €20 charge.
Eamon O’Kane, strategist with the alcohol advocacy and action group, Alcohol Forum, who is based in Letterkenny, says the ruling is to be welcomed.
“This is a significant move to curb alcohol abuse in Donegal and Ireland and we welcome the decision of Judge Kilrane.
“The courts see the impact of alcohol abuse on a daily basis and so understand the need for stronger regulation. We now call on the Government to reconsider the Joint Health Committee’s Report on the Misuse of Drugs and Alcohol published in January of this year.
“A key recommendation and the majority view of the Committee supported the decision to introduce minimum pricing on alcohol. We believe the courts system in its actions today has made this recommendation every more urgent,” says O’Kane.