Galway publicans have slammed a recommendation from the Competition Authority that taxes on alcohol should be increased to reduce availability and discourage binge drinking.

The recommendation follows the HSE's call last November for a ten per cent increase in excise duties, which it said was necessary in order to reduce alcohol-related health problems and the social harm caused by excess drinking. Excise duty on beer has not increased since 1994, while cider duty was raised in 2001 and the tax on spirits increased in 2002.

Speaking to the Galway Independent, Val Hanley of the Vintner's Federation of Ireland, who owns a number of pubs in Galway, said he would strongly oppose a tax increase, as it would do nothing to combat the health risks associated with alcohol abuse.

"The Competition Authority takes a cold view of this situation, it's just an economic view. This will do nothing to close the void between supermarkets and pubs and does not solve the health problems associated with increased alcohol consumption."

"The fact of the matter is, the pint is still good value in pubs but people can get below-cost alcohol in supermarkets so they are stocking up and drinking it in non-licensed premises. It seems to me that Minister Brian Lenihan is trying to shut the gate after the horse has bolted. He doesn't care about the pubs and he doesn't care about the health of people either. This will not stop people from drinking huge amounts of alcohol in student residences, house parties etc."

Mr Hanley restated his call on the government to implement a system to educate children about the dangers of alcohol abuse, to discourage them from binge drinking when they are older.

"We need to educate children in schools that alcohol must be treated with respect and if you abuse alcohol, you will cause a lot of hassle for your family and friends. People wandering down the road drunk at two in the morning does not do us any good, that's not what we started in this game for. We just wanted to provide a place where people could go for a drink and meet with friends in a social atmosphere. It is awful what is going on at the moment and there are serious health risks involved," he said.

"Brian Lenihan and the Competition Authority are looking at this all wrong. They are treating it the same as the cigarettes, they kept increasing the price of them but people still smoke don't they? I think they need to broaden their views if they are going to change anything."

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