Alcohol may be sold separately from groceries at supermarkets in Ireland, if new proposals come into force.
Negotiations between the Department of Justice and retailers are at an advanced stage, meaning turnstiles and barriers could be used to separate alcohol and food products in stores, reports the Irish Independent.
The intention of the plans – which come after similar legislation was touted by politicians in England – is to ensure customers do not think alcohol is merely another grocery item.
A government source said: “The minister plans to make an announcement on this matter in the near future.”
Under the proposals, alcoholic drinks apart from wine would be sold from behind a counter in larger stores.
In others, there would be controlled access to the off-licence areas of the shops.
Today, the British Beer & Pub Association said that sales of beer in supermarkets have dropped by 6% in the last six weeks, compared to the same period in 2007.
Will the plans, if implemented, lead to any change in the level of alcohol that is sold in supermarkets and similar stores? Tell us what you think below.
