Drinks Ireland, along with our fellow members of the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI), the Licensed Vintners Association, the Vintners Federation of Ireland, the Restaurants Association of Ireland, the National Off-Licence Association, and the Irish Hotels Federation have launched our annual campaign lobbying for a reduction in alcohol excise in Budget 2026.

As the cornerstone of our hospitality sector and an iconic symbol of Irish culture, the Irish pub is central to the social and economic life of the nation. It is a place of community, connection, and character, a unique offering which is recognised across the globe.

Across Ireland, hundreds of small rural pubs and restaurants are struggling for survival due to repeated increases in the cost of doing businesses, including staff, energy, and insurance. A cut in excise would offer these businesses an opportunity to continue acting as vital hubs in their communities, as well as a crucial part of our tourism product.

DIGI are seeking a 10% cut in excise in this year’s Budget as an urgent measure to give these businesses a fighting chance of survival. 

Ireland's high excise tax on drinks products, which currently stands as the second highest in the European Union, combined with VAT, high commercial rents, and insurance, forces Ireland's drinks and hospitality businesses, particularly small exporting breweries and distilleries, to make growth-limiting sacrifices.

The effects of such a reduction would be felt immediately by thousands of hospitality businesses across Ireland, hundreds of thousands of directly and indirectly employed industry workers, and domestic and overseas consumers, including tourists.

As part of the campaign, we will publish various reports and our pre-Budget Submission.

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