PRESS STATEMENT
22 October 2013
NOffLA calls on Government to save remaining businesses and jobs in independent off-licence sector
The National Off-licence Association (NOffLA) today (22 October) called on the members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to support measures aimed at protecting the remaining businesses and jobs in the independent off-licence sector.
Speaking before the Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Evelyn Jones, Chairperson of NOffLA said, “Our association welcomes the opportunity to address the Committee on the important issue of the survival of the independent off-licence sector. To date, no efforts have been made by government to stem business closures and job losses in this sector”.
Since 2008, 33 independent off-licences have ceased trading; 12 of these have closed in the last ten months accounting for almost 60 jobs. Based on the current rate of closures, NOffLA expects a further 20-25 independent off-licences to cease trading in 2014.
“In the last ten months almost 60 jobs have been lost in the independent off-licence sector – 3000 in total since 2008. These figures haven’t made the headlines yet but if we were to announce the creation of 60 jobs, that would certainly make headline news. The government must recognise the benefits of job retention as well as job creation.
“A number of factors have caused these closures and job losses but the biggest causes are the disproportionally high rates of alcohol taxes and the repeal of the Groceries Order which has allowed alcohol to be sold at discounted and below cost prices.
“It is our hope that government will see the value of the Independent off-licence sector and introduce measures - such as a reintroduction of a ban on below cost selling - that will ensure the revival and growth of the independent off-licence sector, as opposed to the severe deterioration that we are seeing now”, said Ms Jones.
***ENDS***
For further information:
Karen White – Hume Brophy on behalf of NOffLA – 086 771 3326
Paul Gordon – Hume Brophy on behalf of NOffLA – 086 012 1601
About NOffLA
NOffLA was established in 1991 and represents independent specialist off-licences across Ireland. The Association has 315 members, which represents 5,300 jobs in 26 counties. NOffLA works to promote the responsible sale, marketing and consumption of alcohol and to share best practices with the entire trade. NOffLA’s members' outlets are specialist or pure off-licences and tend to be owner-operated, located in the heart of their communities and employ expertise in responsibly retailing many unique products. Alcohol is the primary product. http://www.noffla.ie/