The proposed Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 was reintroduced to the Seanad in November.   The Bill seeks to end below costs sale of Alcohol through the introduction of minimum unit pricing, restricting advertising of Alcohol and Sponsorship and providing for separation of Alcohol products in retail outlets.

The requirement for separation of Alcohol is causing concern for a number of retail clients as the separation of alcohol from other products will require physical works to shops and it presently seems as if it will also require new fire exits.   The indicative costs are quite significant.   The Bill has now passed through the Seanad with some concessions to retailers.  Smaller retail units will not have to close off it’s alcoholic products. How much the final piece of legislation will impact on the cost to retailers remains to be seen.   It is certainly a piece of legislation to watch with interest.

Caroline Meaney,  Solicitor at Keating Connolly Sellors, can be contacted at [email protected] or by telephone on +353 (0)61 414 355 or +353 (0)61 414 353.

The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. We advise people to always seek specific expert advice for their individual circumstances.