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From Special Irish Fest Consumption Correspondent Ronan Collins:

From the IrishTimes.com.

'Unprecedented' Fall In Alcohol Sales

Alcohol sales in Ireland fell by 13 per cent during the first quarter, compared to the same three-month period a year earlier, according to new figures from the Revenue Commissioners.

The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (Digi) said the figures confirmed fears that a major increase in cross-Border shopping, combined with the economic downturn had exacerbarated the trend of falling sales volumes and average consumption levels that had been established in recent years.

“We are also determined to work with Government to find ways to support our industry and the 90,000 people it employs in pubs, off-licences, production units, visitor centres, hotels, nightclubs and restaurants throughout Ireland," he added.

Wow. The Irish government has to encourage people to go drink? Things have changed.