Man takes case over veterinary alcohol

The High Court has allowed a vet to pursue a damages action against the State over the withdrawal of an authorisation to distribute…

The High Court has allowed a vet to pursue a damages action against the State over the withdrawal of an authorisation to distribute certain alcoholic products.

The State withdrew the authorisation from Jeremiah Cahalane and his company, Caldon Chemical Company, after alleging alcohol was removed from veterinary medicines and then sold for human consumption as duty-paid vodka and whisky.

Mr Cahalane, Rockmount, Drimoleague, Co Cork, previously secured a court order preventing his prosecution for alleged Revenue fraud related to the sale of veterinary-purpose alcohol as duty-paid spirits.

Mr Cahalane and his company seek damages for breach of contract, actionable misrepresentation, breach of legitimate expectations, wrongful detention of goods and conversion.