If publicans go overboard with increases, further price controls could be imposed, the Vintners' Federation of Ireland has warned. Following the Government's decision to lift price controls, publicans were given the go-ahead to increase the price of a pint of beer by 5p this week. But the VFI's president, Mr Paul O'Grady, has warned publicans about increases above the recommended 5p.
Earlier this year rural publicans were reprimanded by the then minister of State, Mr Pat Rabbitte TD, for attempting to introduce a similar increase. He then introduced a price freeze. Yesterday Mr O'Grady said he could envisage price controls being restored if publicans exceeded 5p.