Booze deals [Megathread]

Charlie19 wrote: »

This minimum pricing thingy, does the extra € go towards tax or is it to the retailers benefit?

The VAT on the difference goes to the state; the rest goes to the retailer.

Makers/wholesalers absolutely will put prices up to reclaim some of the difference and premium brands absolutely will get dearer to keep a margin over cheap stuff. The Heineken hissy fit with Wetherspoons here shows how much they rely on being expensive as marketing.

Charlie19 wrote: »

Obviously its not good for us punters that like the odd sip at home:P but it wouldn't be so bad if the money went towards revenue, so it could be spent in other areas.

It stinks a little, that its just extra profit for the retailers.

The entire MUP system has been designed from the ground up to benefit publicans; nobody else. And both FF and FG are full of publicans.

Charlie19 wrote: »

I still dont see how this will benefit the publicans, I will continue to have a drink at home, regardless of these price changes.

The publicans think it'll make people drink in the pub as the price difference won't be as great. Particularly people who drink spirits at home and pints in the pub as spirits will suddenly appear a lot dearer.

Also, in areas away from big supermarkets the local off licence is often a small area of a shop. The rules on display will make it impractical for many of these and they'll just stop selling rather than comply - the exemption suggested is impractical. This will mean people will have to buy off-sales either in supermarkets/off-licences further away, with pre-planning; or buy it in the pub or just drink in the pub.

The two publicans unions are lobbying extensively on this; they're entirely in favour.

Beer is rarely worth going up North for - their duty is higher than here and significantly higher on strong beer; and insanely higher on strong ROI made beer. Need to pay extreme attention to the deals and remember that UK market product is often weaker than Irish market.