Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock/Martins Pormanis

Opinion We cannot let concerns about cross-border shopping stop us controlling a minimum price of alcohol here

Eunan McKinney of Alcohol Action Ireland says public health demands the commencement of minimum unit pricing must proceed.

CHEAP DRINK AND its contribution to alcohol abuse, has long been a huge problem in Ireland. It’s no secret that 2020 has been a difficult year, but despite the closure of pubs for most of it, Irish people have continued to consume and often abuse alcohol with abundant purchases at their local supermarket or convenience store. 

This week, Donegal has joined Dublin in Level 3 restrictions, which is a very difficult time for people in both counties. In the midst of the discussion around restrictions and the spread of the virus, we’ve heard much of house parties and gatherings in the home.

Reducing the supply of cheap alcohol, as other countries have done, should be part of the Government’s Covid battle plan; alcohol and social distancing remain poor bedfellows.

And while there has been some concern about so-called ‘wet pubs’ as centres of transmission, drinking parties in houses, particularly when that alcohol has been bought for ‘pocket-money’ prices, should be a real concern too. 

It’s been more than 700 days since the public health alcohol policy, framed by the Public Health Alcohol Act, enacted minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol products as a proven measure to reduce alcohol use especially amongst the most hazardous of drinkers.

This establishes a floor price for all alcohol products beneath which they cannot legally be sold.

This would ensure that the cheapest, strongest alcohol, carefully selected by drinkers in search of the greatest high for the lowest price – that €11 bottle of Irish Whiskey, the €12 bottle of Gin or the 2-litre dynamite flagon of Irish cider, so evident throughout the retail landscape – would become a thing of the past.  

The Covid effect

Despite all the pubs being closed from the end of March through to early July because of Covid-19, and only half-opened since then, indications are that Ireland’s alcohol use has only declined by 4%.

During lockdown and since, however, trade data consistently shows that off-trade sales are booming, as more and more drinkers shift their alcohol use into their homes having unearthed the exceptional affordability of alcohol in the retail market. 

Price is central to demand and off-trade price surveys consistently show how affordable alcohol is, with men’s low-risk drinking weekly guideline of 17 standard drinks within reach for as little as €7.65. A woman’s weekly 11 standard drinks can be bought for less than a fiver at €4.95. 

The 2020 programme for government renewed a ‘longstanding’ commitment to implement MUP but ‘in consultation’ with the Northern Ireland Executive.

Back in 2015, the then Executive announced it would proceed with an alcohol minimum unit pricing policy having commissioned research that suggested that such a policy would lead to a reduction in alcohol use by 5.7% and could reduce alcohol-related deaths in Northern Ireland. 

The recent announcement by the Northern Ireland’s Minister for Health Robin Swann to consult on the possible introduction of such a measure, however, suggests further interminable delay.  

A cross-border issue

In the North, the rate per hundred thousand of alcohol-related deaths stands at 15.09 per 100,000 (NISRA 2018); Ireland’s rate currently stands at 21.2, according to the Health Research Board’s 2013 alcohol-related deaths.

In 2016, the Global Burden of Diseases estimate of attributable deaths suggested Ireland’s current rate could be as high as 56 per 100,000. 
In this context, the government can no longer ignore the objectives for the new public health measure, determined by Cabinet some seven years ago and democratically approved by the Oireachtas two years ago. 

While ideological objections and spurious considerations of cross border trade have stalled implementation, we cannot allow economic concerns to block and delay measures that can contribute to reducing alcohol harm and improving public health. 

Only one of the five alcohol products in Northern Ireland is lower than the floor price to be established by the proposed law in the Republic. There are many reasons why people choose to shop in Northern Ireland such as currency fluctuations and VAT.

These factors, added to consumer choices, ultimately determine the purchase point of alcohol for communities both sides of the Irish/UK border.  

Distance and proximity to the border are also important considerations. Over 60% of the estimated value (€458m; CSO:2018) of current Ireland to Northern Ireland cross-border shopping is done by those who live closest to the Border.

Booze is not the border draw

‘The AA’ (Automobile Association) seasonal consumer cross-border survey demonstrates that fashion items and cosmetics feature higher than any other products in motivating such cross-border shopping.

Around a third of those who shop cross border ‘intend on picking up alcohol’ where there is also a 13% difference between the VAT rate on alcohol products in the UK (20%) than in Ireland (23%).  

Ensuring that cheap, strong alcohol cannot be sold in Ireland beneath a certain price is unlikely to contribute any further to cross-border shopping.

Since 2013, when the government agreed to introduce MUP, there have been 875 deaths from direct alcohol poisoning alone, likely induced by acute alcohol episodes. The Global Burden of Diseases would estimate that 19,530 deaths related to alcohol use have occurred in this period. 

In a judgement from the UK Supreme Court (2017) rejecting a legal challenge by the Scotch Whisky Association et al to the proposed introduction of minimum pricing in Scotland, Lord Mance, delivering a unanimous decision, and reflecting on the incomparable values of health or economic impact on producers, stated ‘the courts should not second-guess the value which a domestic legislator puts on health’. 

Ireland can no longer wait. It must lead. Implementation must proceed and pandering to vested interests can no longer be a rational government position to delay the commencement of a democratically approved public health measure. 

Eunan McKinney is Head of Communications and Advocacy at Alcohol Action Ireland.

voices logo

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
82 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niall Mullins
    Favourite Niall Mullins
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 12:08 PM

    If they spent half as much money on frontline staff and proper services as they do on paying obscene numbers of, completely unnecessary, managers to come up with schemes like this, then it wouldn’t be an issue to begin with.

    193
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rory McGuirk
    Favourite Rory McGuirk
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 4:10 PM

    Aye, and maybe if we all complain on the journal something will be done about it. We’re great at criticizing those in power yet we haven’t a single notion of how to change the country for the better .

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niall Mullins
    Favourite Niall Mullins
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 8:55 PM

    Speak for yourself Rory. I’ve joined the Irish Democratic Party and we’re doing all we can to change the face of politics in Ireland. Why don’t you have a look at our website http://www.IrishDemocraticParty.ie, check out our Facebook page or come along to our launch on Oct. 25th in Tullamore. You just might be surprised. Alone we can’t make a difference but together we stand strong.

    24
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ger Sweeney
    Favourite Ger Sweeney
    Report
    Oct 7th 2014, 12:00 AM

    You can’t beat the system… That’s not defeatist is just a sad reality…. Big money and power will be protected by those who have either or both so new parties won’t make any difference… The whole thing is rotten to the core.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Charles J. Ahern
    Favourite Charles J. Ahern
    Report
    Oct 7th 2014, 12:09 AM

    Fluoride and EU withdrawal … no thanks.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute RP McMurphy
    Favourite RP McMurphy
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 12:40 PM

    Massage the waiting lists, massage the unemployment nos., revise downwardly the need for carers, massage the IW set-up figures, massage the people on low income figures, massage the export figures(upwardly), massage the the message to the people on Budget day…..a country of civil servant masseuses!!

    73
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Le Blanc
    Favourite Tony Le Blanc
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 1:12 PM

    Alas with no ‘happy ending’

    58
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Tee
    Favourite Tony Tee
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 12:04 PM

    Would be absolutely terrific if John would stop seeking media attention, soundbites, drop the Senator gig and concentrate on his patients….and I speak as someone who has experience dealing with the man, appointments at 9pm at night because he is in a RTE sudio or Gove buildings.

    73
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Norman Hunter
    Favourite Norman Hunter
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 12:11 PM

    Yes can’t have someone with knowledge highlighting these issues, best to say nothing and carry on.

    108
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Tee
    Favourite Tony Tee
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 12:17 PM

    Saying something is ‘quite plausible’ does not constitute knowledge Norman

    33
    See 14 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Norman Hunter
    Favourite Norman Hunter
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 12:22 PM

    John Crown got the gagging clause removed from Doctors contracts that the HSE wanted, so in my opinion he is justifying his position in the Seanad.

    102
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Norman Hunter
    Favourite Norman Hunter
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 12:25 PM

    Did you stop reading after you saw ‘quite plausible’?

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Denito
    Favourite Denito
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 12:29 PM

    No doubt Prof Crowne is spending endless hours in his public clinics seeing new patients and making sure that he, at least, is doing his bit to keep the waiting lists down.

    57
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Tee
    Favourite Tony Tee
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 12:37 PM

    Could have sworn he was a Oncologist…so why is he commenting on abortion?? I’m afraid as someone the man has treated my opinion on the man my opinion, formed via personal experience, will not be swayed

    http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/senator-john-crown-defends-abortion-waiting-list-joke-28812406.html

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Norman Hunter
    Favourite Norman Hunter
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 12:45 PM

    So he is not allowed comment on any medical matters outside of his own specialism?

    60
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Tee
    Favourite Tony Tee
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 1:06 PM

    Clearly youve never been hooked up to chemo treatment at 10pm at night because Dr Crowne has had media commitement elsewhere Norman. I have no problem with him making any comments he wants but as I and countelss other cancer patients know it impacts the treatment we receive and he is paid to give us. Do the day job first and they by all means be a Senator, media provider etc in your own time…..

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Norman Hunter
    Favourite Norman Hunter
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 1:13 PM

    Your right I haven’t but have been involved with several people who have, and the presence of the oncologist who they are under is not necessary in every case.If you have an issue with John Crown why don’t you switch?genuine question.

    44
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Tee
    Favourite Tony Tee
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 1:17 PM

    I have switched – after not getting my treatment until after 10pm as I was scheduled to meet Dr Crowne first…in that particular instance he had been up from stupid o’clock doing a interview on Newstalks morning show and mixed up my charts – told me I was stage 4 (which means I have no hope) instead of stage 2. If you or I told our employers we wouldn’t be able to do our jobs until 10pm because we had another job elsewhere or had media commitments we would be dealt with very differently I imagine.

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Norman Hunter
    Favourite Norman Hunter
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 1:30 PM

    So you’ve switched what’s your issue?
    Why not make a complaint if you feel it is justified to the relevant authorities. Instead of slagging the man on an Internet forum.

    47
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Tee
    Favourite Tony Tee
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 5:24 PM

    Probably because I am perfectly entitled to voice my opinion and I feel like doing so Norman….if you dont like what I am saying there is no need for you to comment either.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Norman Hunter
    Favourite Norman Hunter
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 6:26 PM

    So voice your complaint of Mr Crown in the correct manner instead of the comfort of hiding behind a computer screen.Allow him answer what you have accused him of.

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Carmel M H (Carm)
    Favourite Carmel M H (Carm)
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 8:57 PM

    Don’t you dare criticize Prof Crown like that. He is one of the few honest people we have in LH. He always said he was going to keep his day job and he is doing so by working himself into the ground. I know the man and I know how hard he works. Remember he takes no salary from LH. He said he would only be a senator for one term so he will work regular hours as a Dr then again. If he had decided to leave his consultants job the waiting lists would be longer and the service poorer. I think we owe this man a great deal of gratitude. If you don’t like his hours then find another consultant.

    35
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Carmel M H (Carm)
    Favourite Carmel M H (Carm)
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 9:02 PM

    Good on you Norman. You are right. Doubt Prof Crown was the first to ever mix up a chart. Also on mistakes Tony has spelt his surname wrong throughout his rant.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Roy Madden
    Favourite Roy Madden
    Report
    Oct 7th 2014, 12:25 AM

    Tony – why haven’t reported him to the IMC yet?
    Or are you just spoofing?

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Emilio
    Favourite Emilio
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 3:49 PM

    I know for a fact that Tallaght ENT department had two waiting lists. You’d get on the first list straight away after GP referal. They’d send you a letter stating something like: We have received the referral letter, please don’t bother us for the foreseeable future, because we don’t give a damn about you (the wording was different, but the meaning was confirmed after I rang them).

    Then about 2 years later they will send you a letter with an appointment a few weeks ahead. At that point they’d add you to the official waiting list. Average waiting time of patients ‘a few weeks’. Works every time.

    Chances that after 2 years you are either dead or your condition has remitted or you have chosen to see a doctor privately? About 100%.

    Fantastic. I’m so impressed with the efficiency of this system I almost peed myself when I found out. So simple. So well executed. I am going to try this at work some day.

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sheik Yerbouti
    Favourite Sheik Yerbouti
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 1:09 PM

    Patient Goes ON Long list- Patient OFF long list to private sector- Patient back ON list– but now they are on a smaller list, that is until the other patients moved to private come back to join them on the public list.

    Maybe Tony o Brien could help them by getting them to complete a report for €20,000
    http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/hse-adviser-got-20000-for-health-crisis-report-30634326.html

    Although when you get such top-ups,whats €20,000 between friends
    http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/reilly-hse-chief-obrien-can-keep-160k-wage-topup-29817838.html

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niall Mullins
    Favourite Niall Mullins
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 11:36 PM

    I like you Sheik!

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute sid
    Favourite sid
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 1:13 PM

    This has been the case for years. Maybe not have a staff room meeting about how to massage figures but deffo make it part of the system that puts people off lists for any deviance from the official waiting time. I had a situation like that. Eight cancellations over a year period.hopeless service in my own personal experience

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute McGuckin Annette
    Favourite McGuckin Annette
    Report
    Oct 6th 2014, 5:27 PM

    How can the national director of acute services say with all certainty that current waiting lists are an accurate reflection of how long people are waiting to be seen and treated, if a) he’s no knowledge of the memo and b) the investigation in to the allegations of rigging hasn’t even commenced yet?

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gus Sheridan
    Favourite Gus Sheridan
    Report
    Oct 7th 2014, 12:47 PM

    Just thought how refreshing that all these comments were mentioned on RTE …daydreaming…

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Deirdre Uí Bhrógáin
    Favourite Deirdre Uí Bhrógáin
    Report
    Oct 7th 2014, 12:24 PM

    i have been told twice in two different hospitals that I would be on a waiting list only when a date could be allocated.

    2
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds