Sir, - I would like to bring to your attention the price of non or low alcohol beers. The majority of pubs I have visited do not stock them on draught so one is forced to purchase bottles. These come in 33 cl size and cost in the region of £2-£2.50 each. Thus if one wishes to fill a pint glass this will cost approx £4-£5.
When I brought this to the attention of the publicans I was told it is because the process of removing the alcohol is expensive. This does not account for the fact that most off licences charge only 75p for a 33 cl bottle.
In a time when we are all too aware of the dangers of drinking and driving governments and gardai are trying to persuade the public not to do so, an affordable alternative should be available. Yet recently when the price of "the pint" went up the Government stepped in!
Over the years as a beer drinker I have grown to enjoy not only the effect of alcohol but also the taste and the taste of some low/non alcoholic beer are quite satisfactory. But the taste would be all the better if the cost was more in line with alcoholic beer, as the price was something I had grown to enjoy as well.
From `last orders' to first order of business please. - Yours, etc.,
Brookfield Road,
Kilmainham,
Dublin 8.