PRESS RELEASE

25/05/2005

Diageo must now rescind price hike decision - Kelleher

Cork North-Central Fianna Fáil TD Billy Kelleher has said drinks manfacturer Diageo must row back on its decision to increase the price of a pint of Guinness after Beamish and Crawford today agreed to a price freeze until at least next year.

‘Beamish and Crawford’s decision is in stark contrast to Diageo which will increase the price of Guinness in the coming weeks. Diageo should now rescind its decision to increase the price of a pint.

‘Beamish and Crawford’s move will benefit customers and boost the pub industry as it faces growing competition from the off-licence trade.

‘The Irish pub is famous throughout the world and all sectors of the industry need to work together to ensure its continued survival.

‘By introducing a freeze, Beamish and Crawford is working with publicans. Its efforts to protect the industry deserve our full support. Diageo, on the other hand, surely cannot now proceed with its plan to impose a price hike on the pint.
‘Overpriced drink prices are impacting negatively on our tourism industry and unnecessarily burdening the pockets of social drinkers. Beamish and Crawford has now set the precedent. It should be followed by other manufacturers in the interest of consumers,’ said Deputy Kelleher.

ENDS