Vodka sachet launch fuels Irish protest

The launch of a vodka-in-a-sachet product in the Republic of Ireland has brought a storm of protest with claims that it will encourage binge drinking among young people. Vintner and off-licence groups have urged members not to stock the drink, while Irish Government ministers have also expressed concern at its possible impact. They are currently considering what action to take to curtail supplies. The Original Bullseye Baggies, containing a 30ml shot of vodka in a cellophane sachet, have been launched by American businessman Dr Joe Elias through his Dublin-based Little Drinks Company. They sell at e1.50 (just under £1) and there are plans to market white rum, gin, tequila and sambuca in a similar style and to export it to Europe and the UK. According to Dr Elias, the sachets are "the most responsible spirits product on the market" as they quantify the exact amount of alcohol being taken and allow drinkers to keep track of how much they have consumed. He added that the sachets carried warnings about the dangers of under-age drinking, binge drinking and drink-driving. But the Licensed Vintners' Association, representing 95% of Dublin hosts, asked members not to stock the new drink. LVA chief executive Donall O'Keeffe warned that such products were "totally inappropriate and send out all the wrong signals". A similar appeal was made to members from the National Off-Licence Association, while the 6,000-strong Vintners' Federation of Ireland also expressed "serious concern" about the product. Health Minister Michael Martin said that swingeing tax increases had seen off the threat posed by alcopops and a similar strategy might be necessary with the vodka sachets.