asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the widespread variations in retail prices of beers and spirits, he will specifically request all licensed vintners to display prominently in bars and lounges full price lists in the best interests of the public, tourists and publicans; and if he will undertake to keep this matter under review and, if necessary, introduce statutory regulations on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Beer and Spirits Prices.
16.
As indicated on an earlier occasion, I should like to see lists displayed in licensed premises showing the prices charged for popular drinks, provided they are not lists prepared by associations with a view to restricting competition. While I am keeping the subject under review, I am still of opinion that the requirements of the public interest do not justify the introduction of legislation to that end at present.
The Minister "wishes" and "welcomes", but may I put it to the Minister that there is very considerable public dissatisfaction regarding the substantial variations which are to be found in prices in retail bars, lounges and off-licence premises? Often no price lists are displayed. Further increases in wages will lead to still further variations in price. The Minister should convey that request to the association and directly to the publicans and tell them that it is in their best interests and in the interests of the public and of the tourists to display their prices. There have been many complaints regarding alleged over-variation in prices.
My predecessor and I have recommended and stated clearly that we would like to see the traders displaying lists of prices. I think that to make a regulation to this effect might not, and probably would not, prove effective. On the other hand, conveying my wishes to the association representative of those people might be encouraging the presentation of a collective list, which is one of the things I do not want to encourage.
Write to the publicans.
Write to all the publicans individually?
Put an advertisement in the papers.