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Licensed premises

Are there obligations for licensed premises when displaying prices in Ireland?

If you operate a licensed premises in Ireland, you are legally required to display drink prices clearly to consumers. This includes a comprehensive list inside each drinking area and a 16-item list at the entrance. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action under the Consumer Protection Act.

What are your legal obligations for displaying drink prices?

If you run a licensed premises in Ireland, you must comply with the Retail Price (Beverages in Licensed Premises) Display Order. This regulation is enforced by the CCPC and outlines how prices must be displayed to consumers.

Where must you display drink prices?

Licensed premises such as pubs, wine bars, hotel lounges and similar venues must display drink prices in two specific ways:

  • A comprehensive price list of all drinks on sale, displayed within each bar and lounge area.
  • A '16-item' list showing prices for specified drinks, displayed either immediately outside or just inside each entrance. If placed inside, it must be readable from one step inside the premises.

What drinks must be included in the 16-item list?

You must display prices for at least one kind of each of the following items, (for example at least one kind of draught stout) if sold:

  • Pint (568 ml) of draught stout
  • Pint (568 ml) of draught ale
  • Pint (568 ml) of draught lager
  • Pint (568 ml) of draught cider
  • Bottle (330 ml) of stout
  • Bottle (330 ml) of ale
  • Bottle (330 ml) of lager
  • Bottle (330 ml) of cider
  • Measure (35.5 ml) of whiskey
  • Measure (35.5 ml) of vodka
  • Measure (35.5 ml) of gin
  • Bottle (200 ml) of carbonated drink
  • Bottle (200 ml) of carbonated cola drink
  • Bottle (113 ml) of a mixer
  • Bottle (250 ml) of bottled water
  • Wine (187 ml)

How should the price notices be formatted?

  • The notices should be legible and up to date.
  • The comprehensive list must use letters and figures at least 3 mm in height and proportionate width.
  • The 16-item list must be at least A4 in size, with letters and figures at least 4 mm in height and proportionate width.

What happens if your displayed prices are incorrect?

If the prices you charge differ from those displayed, this is considered a misleading price indication and may breach the Consumer Protection Act. The CCPC can take enforcement action, including issuing compliance notices.

Do you need separate price lists for different areas or times?

Yes. If your premises has multiple areas (e.g. bar, lounge, nightclub) with different pricing, each area must have its own price list. If prices change after a certain time (e.g. after 11pm), the displayed prices must reflect the current charges.

Is watering down drinks allowed?

No. Watering down alcoholic drinks is considered 'adulteration of drink' and is a breach of consumer law. The CCPC may investigate such practices.

Do you serve food on the premises?

If you offer food for consumption on the premises, you must also display food prices in accordance with Irish law. Learn about food price display rules.

What are the consequences of not displaying prices?

Failure to display prices may result in enforcement action, including fixed payment notices issued by the CCPC.

Where can you learn more?

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