'We feel this is unfair': Publicans in Offaly to stop selling Diageo products amid price hike

Publicans in Birr have decided to remove the majority of Diageo products from their premises over the coming weeks following discussions on the most recent price hike from the beverage company. 

The matter was discussed at the latest meeting of Birr Publicans Group, after which they sent a letter to the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) outlining their plan of action in response to the price rises.

It read: "The levels of disappointment and complete frustration in the room were at all all-time high, which is saying something because we have had many discussions in recent years on the same topic following many other price increases from Diageo and other drinks suppliers."

The letter continued: "In the coming weeks, we aim to remove the majority of Diageo products from public houses in the town and substitute them with alternative products. 

"We are doing this to protect our own local businesses and also to protect our valued customers from more unnecessary price increases."

Diageo, who operate in 180 countries worldwide, own a vast portfolio of drinks under the categories of Beer, Whiskey, Gin, Rum, Tequila, Vodka and Liqueurs. 

Popular drinks which may be affected by the removal by pubs in Birr could include Guinness, Smithwicks, Hop House 13, Baileys, Gordons, Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker and Captain Morgan.

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Chair of the Birr Publicans Group, Barry Kennedy said pubs have been left with little other choice after the recent price rises. He commented: "The potential move to remove some Diageo products by Birr Publicans is borne out of complete frustration at repeated price increases, year after year, from big international drinks companies."

He added: "A further price increase was communicated to publicans countrywide by Heineken on Monday, January 26. Ultimately these constant increases by international drinks suppliers like Diageo and Heineken are just leading to customers facing a more expensive drink in their local pubs."

As a group of publicans, we feel this is unfair and we are highlighting this fact, as we believe it is the correct thing to do in the best interests of our loyal customers. Since we voiced our frustrations, we have received a lot of support from other areas, such as Tullamore Publicans Group, and we appreciate this show of support."

The topic was also discussed at the latest meeting of the Tullamore Publicans Group who are very disappointed as well with the recent price increases but haven't opted to join their counterparts with the removal of Diageo products as of yet. 

The Birr Publicans Group also hit out at the VFI for their lack of support on the issue as their representative body insisting they had to make a stand themselves as a result. 

The letter which was sent to the Vintners Federation of Ireland stated: "The overarching annoyance at this week's meeting however was not directed at the drinks companies but you - our representatives - the VFI."

"It is simply not acceptable that the voice of publicans throughout the country is not heard by these large multinational companies. This is the feeling from us in Birr, and I am sure in many other towns and districts countrywide."

The Birr Publicans Group addressed the VFI directly describing the reasons why they have felt misrepresented and let down in recent times. They explained: "You are not arguing our case well enough and strong enough. You are not representing the sentiment of your members well enough or strong enough. This is what we expect our representatives to do."

They concluded the letter by saying: "It is disappointing that we have to take a stand ourselves and not in a way led by our representative bodies."