Public Health (Alcohol) Bill
The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland broadly welcomes the measures contained in the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill announced today by Minister Varadkar. The Minister’s announcement addresses the issues of availability, price, information and display all of which are crucial. With regard to minimum unit pricing, we have campaigned for its introduction for a considerable period of […]
VFI Broadly Welcomes ECJ Judgement on MUP
The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) broadly welcomes the view of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) with respect to the introduction of a minimum price per unit of alcohol. The VFI understands that the ECJ appreciates the objectives of the Scottish Parliament to primarily reduce the hazardous consumption of alcohol, a view and objective […]
VFI welcomes Flood Relief Fund but calls for Commercial Rate Exemptions in 2016
The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) today welcomed the swift action by government to support businesses affected by the recent flooding. The VFI has however contacted the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly, asking that he instruct local authorities to give those businesses affected by the floods a 12 month exemption […]
Budget 2016 Statement
The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) welcomes the Government’s decision in Budget 2016 to narrow the gap in tax credits between the self-employed and PAYE workers. As it stands, publicans, and other self-employed small business owners, are not entitled to the PAYE tax credit of €1,650. The phasing in of the PAYE tax credit for […]
European response at tackling Minimum Unit Pricing is nonsensical
The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) has expressed its strong disappointment at the opinion set out by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) today. The ECJ said that the Scottish government’s plans to create a minimum unit price for alcohol could impact on the free movement of goods and Ministers must now show that no […]
CSO Figures on Overseas Visitors
We welcome today’s figures released by the CSO outlining an increase of almost 12% in overseas visitors in the past three months. The increase correlates with what we are seeing in the pub trade as more and more tourists are visiting pubs across Ireland. Evidence of this is seen in research conducted amongst VFI publicans […]
Sterner deterrents essential in protecting against escalating violence against publicans
The Judiciary has a central role to play There has been a series of high-profile violent attacks on publicans up and down the country. Unfortunately this phenomenon appears to be growing. Action, indeed very strong action, is urgently required to stem this tide. In my role as Chief Executive of the VFI, I receive calls […]
Vintners’ Federation Calls for Sterner Deterrents to Prevent Violence against Publicans
Following recent high-profile attacks on publicans across the country, the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) have today called for publicans to be protected by the law and sterner deterrents to be enacted immediately. The VFI also stated that those behind the assaults have no real fear of custodial sentences. Padraig Cribben, Chief Executive, VFI said; […]
Proposed Minimum Wage Increases
The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) has today said that any increase in the national minimum wage would have a negative impact on jobs in the trade. The VFI was responding to reports that the Low Pay Commission will recommend an increase to the national minimum wage of 50c to €9.15 an hour.  The VFI […]
Martin O’Dea Limerick Leader Briefing Notes
Alcohol Bill The proposals contained in the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 are long overdue. We have for years called for action to ensure the safe and responsible sale of alcohol for several years. We broadly welcome the steps taken by Minister Varadkar and agree that any long term strategic approach to tackling alcohol misuse […]
Vintners’ Federation of Ireland Welcomes Government Measures to Tackle Alcohol Misuse
The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) broadly welcomes the measures announced by Minister for Health Leo Varadkar and signed off by Cabinet today. Crucially, the Minster has addressed the issues of availability, price, information and display. However, the VFI is calling on the Minster to ensure that the specific aspects referring to the Minimum Unit […]
Govt publishes far-reaching measures to tackle alcohol misuse
    Restrictions on cheap alcohol     Warning labels & calorie details     Strong new powers for Environmental Health Officers     New restrictions on advertising, marketing & sponsorship Cabinet has today signed off on far-reaching proposals to reduce alcohol consumption and tackle alcohol misuse which will help Ireland to cut alcohol consumption […]