Sir, – Responding to reports of Government reluctance to introduce a ban on alcohol sponsorship for sporting organisations until alternative funding is sourced to compensate for the loss of revenue, the Vintners Federation of Ireland president Gerry Rafter suggests the introduction of a 15 per cent “lid-levy” on all alcohol products sold in the off-licence trade (Home News, July 30th). As the representative of 4,500 in-house publicans, Mr Rafter’s suggestion is self-serving and will benefit special interest groups like the VFI.
As one who purchases the occasional bottle of stout for home consumption, I resent this intrusion from the VFI for me to pay additional tax. Furthermore, why should any taxpayers’ money be given to professional sporting bodies such as the Football Association of Ireland, which can afford to pay its chief executive almost €400,000 a year salary in addition to most generous expenses, and the Irish soccer team manager a salary in excess of €1 million yearly, again with expenses? Indeed, why should the bled-white taxpayer be further squeezed to subsidise the coffers of the IRFU while it pays its players vast sums of money? Both of these organisations draw massive crowds to their fixtures and charge what many consider to be exorbitant entrance prices.
Once again those who have the least are expected to subsidise those who have the most. – Yours, etc,
TOM COOPER,
Delaford Lawn,
Knocklyon,
Dublin 16.