Irish publicans accused of 'pure greed'

Irish licensees have been accused of "pure greed" because they have been using the euro changeover as an excuse to put prices up.

The accusations come from The Irish Consumers' Association, which is considering asking drinkers in the Irish Republic to boycott their local pub for one day in protest over the escalating prices.

Prices in pubs, hotels and restaurants have risen by 7.2% so far this year, according to the association's chairman Michael Kilcoyne. He said this was due to publican's "pure greed" at the expense of customers.

This move follows a similar campaign in Greece, where a one-day boycott of the service and retail sectors in protest of high prices led to a 70% loss in business. "That's the sort of powerful message we intend to deliver, if the government fails to take action to halt the prices spiral," he added.

"Since the Greek action, we have been inundated with calls for a similar boycott here. People are feeling increasingly powerless over price rises. They want some way of hitting back, of showing that they won't take it any more."

According to a government commissioned survey on prices, the Irish Republic has become the second most expensive country in Europe, beat only by Finland. And the inflation rate, now 4.5%, is predicted to climb to at least 5% by the end of the year, more than double the EU average.

Mr Kilcoyne attributes a slump in Irish tourism to escalating prices in the service sector. "People shouldn't be surprised if tourists decide not to come here, when they see the prices being charged in pubs, hotels and restaurants. We're killing the industry through greed."

The Association will be pressing for action when it meets Trade and Enterprise Minister Mary Harney early next month. "We want more competition among pubs and the removal of restrictions on new licences," said Mr Kilcoyne.

But the Licensed Vintners' Association, which represents publicans in the Dublin area, and the Vintners' Federation, which represents those in rural Ireland strongly deny charges of profiteering. They blame rising drink price rises on higher wages, dearer fuel bills and mounting insurance costs.