Tuesday, 19th January 2021
The Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 (Sale and Supply of Alcohol Products) Regulations 2020 (the Regulations) came into effect on 11 January 2020.
The Regulations
The main changes introduced by the Regulations include that:
- an alcoholic product cannot be sold or supplied at a reduced price or free of charge on the purchase of another alcoholic product or any other product or service; and
- an alcoholic product cannot be sold or supplied for three days or less at a price less than the price charged on 11 January 2021.
In effect, the Regulations will prohibit promotions such as the following:
- flash weekend sales on alcoholic products,
- promotions such a buy one get one free on the sale of alcoholic products;
- loyalty points being earned on the purchase of alcoholic products; and
- alcoholic products can no longer qualify for redemption of vouchers.
The Act
The Regulations were made under powers given to the Minister for Health under the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 (the Act). The Act, which has not yet fully commenced, was introduced to reduce the consumption of alcohol in Ireland.
The main provisions of the Act provide for the following:
- minimum unit pricing for the retailing of alcohol products;
- regulation of the marketing and advertising of alcohol;
- regulation of sports sponsorship;
- structural separation of alcohol from other products; and
- health labelling of alcohol products.
For more information please contact Máire Conneely, Katie O'Connor, Joe Kelly or any member of A&L Goodbody's Licensing Team.
