Sir, – The furore over Arthur’s Day created by some vested interests in Irish society reflects a new agenda that the drinks industry and its brands can never do good, regardless.
It is a worrying development for those who work responsibly in an industry that supports countless thousands of jobs in Ireland in manufacture, tourism and distribution in pubs, hotels and restaurants. It is also an industry that gives enjoyment to countless customers who enjoy alcohol responsibly.
Overall, Arthur’s Day is a welcome development that is good, does good and has evolved into a cultural event focused mainly in the hard-pressed pub sector, where tourism is an important factor.
To the tourist and the responsible drinker, Arthur’s Day is to be welcomed and not misrepresented by vested interests,
We should be careful what we wish for.
PATRICK RIGNEY,
Chairperson,
The Dalcassian Wines &
Spirits Company Ltd,
Beacon Court,
Sandyford Ind Est, Dublin 18.
Sir, – While some will continue to “celebrate” Arthur’s Day by drinking themselves into a dangerous stupor, may I suggest that perhaps a more fitting tribute would to offer some assistance to the homeless and unfortunates who populate the streets?
Arthur Guinness made a significant contribution to housing and social needs and I think the humanity of the man would be better reflected by a kind word and gesture to the needy – and perhaps a donation to them and/or an appropriate charity. – Yours, etc,
LIAM MURRAY,
Calle Cirilo Amoros,
Valencia, Spain.
Sir, – According to Prof Frank Murray (Opinion, September 23rd) there should be no argument against minimum unit pricing for alcohol. In fact there are good arguments against it.
Proponents of this policy invariably fail to consider that the policy has other effects that need to be considered, neglect to consider the policy in the context of the government’s overall fiscal strategy and forget there may be other policies that can achieve the same ends more efficiently. Minimum unit pricing will reduce consumption of alcohol and will have benefits in terms of mortality and morbidity. However, the evidence produced by the Institute for Fiscal Studies recently provides a more nuanced assessment of the policy.
Minimum pricing, forcing the sellers to charge more, generates windfall profits for the sellers. Don’t expect them to complain too loudly. Do we really want to hand over millions of euros to them? The policy will reduce tax revenue. What should we increase instead? The policy will be regressive, hitting low income individuals (who tend to consume cheaper drink) hardest. Is this a good idea at present?
The Government already has fiscal tools at its disposal, namely taxes. Excise taxes can be used to have the same beneficial effect, without hitting tax revenue and without providing a handout to the industry. One could also use the tax system to help ameliorate the regressivity of the reform. Our current system of alcohol taxes probably does a poor job of targeting harmful drinking. Why not focus on getting that right first? – Yours, etc,
KEVIN DENNY,
School of Economics
& Geary Institute,
University College Dublin,
Dublin 4.
Sir, – Thank goodness Arthur’s Day is the only day that Irish people really drink too much (Frank Murray, Opinion, September 23rd). Whenever would I get all my hand-wringing done in the busy 364 other days we are permitted to gather publicly in various states of enhanced refreshment? – Yours, etc,
PAUL McELLIGOTT,
Carrickbrack Heath,
Sutton, Co Dublin.
Sir, – The simple solution to the Arthur’s Day furore is to rename it in memory of what is driving most of us to drink. Cheers to Arrears’ Day. – Yours, etc,
DERMOT SHERLOCK,
Weston Park,
Churchtown,
Dublin 14.