Alcohol Action Ireland, the national charity for alcohol-related issues, has described the ’Children’s Allowance Day Deals’ promotion by Centra stores in Dublin, Wicklow and Offaly as “totally irresponsible”.
The A4 leaflets contain the heading ’Children’s Allowance Day Deals’ running from today (Tuesday) until Thursday, which encourage customers to “make your money last” with offers for bacon, Jaffa Cakes, crisps, cabbage on the front.
On the back of the leaflet there are more offers including for fig rolls, French stick bread, water and cut-price beer, including a crate of 20 bottles of Miller for just €15 and two crates of Budweiser for €25.
Considering one in 11 children in Ireland are living with a parent with problematic alcohol use then any link between parenting and buying cut price alcohol is totally irresponsible – it doesn’t serve the retailer or the family well,” said Fiona Ryan, Director of Alcohol Action Ireland.
Ms Ryan pointed out that the Government is currently examining whether to commence legislation governing the display and sale of alcohol in retail outlets, in particular its separation from food and other every-day household items.
Promotions like this underline the need for tighter regulation. If we continue to sell alcohol like a grocery in supermarkets and not treat it as a licensed product, then in one way I’m not surprised a retailer would put alcohol in with groceries like this,” said Ms Ryan.
Click here for more on the separation of alcohol from other products in retail outlets
Click here for more on tackling the negative effects of harmful parental drinking on children
Click here to find out more about Minimum Pricing
For further information please contact Conor Cullen, Communications Officer with Alcohol Action Ireland, on 01-8780612 or 087-7530576
