asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the action he has taken in respect of the increases by certain publicans in the price of drink in Limerick in excess of the permitted statutory retail bar prices.
Written Answers. - Limerick Retail Bar Prices.
463.
The control of the prices charged for intoxicating liquor is a matter of serious concern to me. On my instruction, prices inspectors of my Department strictly monitor, on a countrywide basis, the observance by publicans of maximum prices order governing drink prices. All allegations of unapproved price increases are investigated. Where price increases in excess of those authorised by me are found to have been implemented, the offending publicans are requested to reduce their prices to the legal limit immediately and are told that they will be liable to prosecution for contravention of the maximum prices order.
In common with all other areas of the country, the investigation of drink prices in Limerick is continuous. Where evidence of over-charging is obtained, legal proceedings are initiated.
In a press release, issued in September 1979, on the occasion of the last increase in drink prices, I pointed out that it had come to my notice that publicans in several areas throughout the country had implemented unauthorised increases in the price of drink. I stressed, on that occasion, and I would like to repeat it now, that all publicans found to be charging prices in contravention of the maximum prices order will be liable to immediate prosecution.