Drink prices could rise if Noonan approves off-licence proposal
The cost of buying alcohol in an off-licence could be raised later this year.
The Finance Minister Michael Noonan says he is considering an overhaul of the fees paid by off-licences for their right to sell alcohol.
Currently an off-licence pays a flat annual fee of €1,500 to sell beer, wine and spirits - while a pub licence can cost anywhere between €250 to €3,800, depending on how much it sells.
In response to written Dáil questions, Minister Noonan said he will consider an overhaul of off-licence rules as part of the next Budget, to avoid giving off-licences an advantage over pubs.
