KITT ATTACKS MAVERICK PUBLICANS

The Minister for Consumer Affairs, Tom Kitt TD, commented today (Monday 21st December, 1998) on media reports that some publicans were increasing the price of the pint in the run-up to Christmas. Describing any increase in the price of the pint as "despicable," the Minister warned that there could be "no possible justification" for an increase at this time. It would, in effect, amount to "a cynical attempt to exploit the festive season" and the Minister strongly encouraged consumers "to respond to any maverick publican who increases his prices by voting with their feet." This is the only effective response "to irresponsible behaviour of this type."

Minister Kitt understands that such increases are not widespread. Should they become so, he considers it likely that the Competition Authority would take a strong interest in the matter.

He noted that the Authority had recently issued a report which pointed to the serious shortage of licences in the Dublin area and recommended a liberalisation of the licencing regime. This report is under consideration at present and any evidence that publicans were exploiting that shortage would have be a very relevant factor in formulating a response to that report.