Public ans increase the price of drink

July 1977

The price of certain drinks in Wexford has gone up again. New prices were distributed to publicans in the town this week and have now come into effect.

The increases are on spirits and minerals, with 2p going on a measure of Irish and Scotch whiskey, gin, and vodka. Indeed, the biggest talking point has been how the increase has pushed the price of a popular Irish whiskey such as Paddy or Jameson past the 35p mark in many local pubs for the first time.

Meanwhile, brandy has gone up by 4p a measure, which in turn means it now costs more than 40p in many establishments. The price of a pint remains unchanged, with typical prices for a pint of Guinness being between 38p and 40p.

Although publicans in town were reluctant to comment at all on the increases, it is understood they are to offset increased wholesale costs. It is over a year since the price of drink in Wexford went up, as there was no increase announced in the last Budget. However, it is widely expected that the first Budget after the upcoming General Election will include one and that it may be quite a significant rise, so tipplers are understandably concerned they may see the price of their favourite drink go up considerably in the course of just a couple of months.

The Chairman of the Wexford Licensed Vintner’s Association, Mr Con Macken, said he would be making no official comment on the increases.

Another local publican was also asked by this reporter if he had any comment or explanation to offer.

His response was to say ‘ buzz off and mind your own business.’