asked the Minister for Trade, Commerce and Tourism when he intends to introduce the legislation under preparation to control the price of drink, including mineral waters in the licensed trade, which is not at present controlled under existing legislation and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Drink Price Control.
726.
The retail prices of the popular types of alcoholic drink when sold for on-premises consumption in licensed premises are controlled under existing legislation by means of the Maximum Prices (Intoxicating Liquor) Order, 1983. No such control is currently exercised in relation to sales of soft drinks.
The National Prices Commission have been concerned for some time about high margins taken on soft drinks sold for on-premises consumption in licensed premises. The Commission recently indicated they intended to examine the entire issue. The question of whether changes in existing legislation should be made will be considered when their recommendations in the matter have been received.