Thirty-eight finalists competed for prizes in this year’s Off-Licence of the Year Awards, which took place last night in Dublin. Baggot Street Wines claimed the ‘National Off-Licence of the Year 2016’ award.

The awards are now in their 20th year and aim to showcase excellence in the off-licence sector. Other awards included:

• Specialist Off-Licence Group of the Year 2016 – The O’Donovan Group, Cork
• Best First Time Entrant 2016 – 64 Wines Glasthule
• Food Retailer Off-Licence of the Year 2016 – Shiel’s Londis Malahide
• Customer Service Award of the Year 2016 – O’Donovans, Ballincollig
• Spirit Specialist of the Year 2016 – James Redmond & Sons
• Beer Specialist of the Year 2016 – Martins Off-Licence, Fairview
• Wine Specialist of the Year 2016 – Jus de Vine, Portmarnock
• Connaught/Ulster Off-Licence of the Year 2016 – McCambridge’s, Galway
• Leinster Off-Licence of the Year 2016 – The Wine Centre, Kilkenny
• Dublin Off-Licence of the Year 2016 – Blackrock Cellar
• Munster Off-Licence of the Year 2016 – Number 21, Midleton

Judging for the awards began in June 2015. The ongoing judging process culminated in a blind wine-tasting, which involved participants answering questions about the unidentified wines. Final awards were allocated following this process.

Alcohol Bill

Organisers the National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) also took the opportunity last night to call on the government to swiftly introduce the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill.

In Association with

NOffLA chairman Gary O’Donovan said: “As responsible independent retailers, NOffLA welcomes the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill as it ensures the highest standards around the purchase and consumption of alcohol. The introduction of minimum unit-pricing and affordable structural separation will ensure that alcohol is retailed responsibly.”

He continued: “However, we believe that in order for minimum unit pricing to be truly effective, the government needs to introduce a ban on the below invoice cost selling of alcohol.

“The promotion of branded discounted alcohol is used as a means to drive footfall into multiples to sell other more expensive grocery products and actively encourages irresponsible retailing, which is a threat to the broader community through alcohol abuse and anti-social behaviour.”

O’Donovan also argued that excise duty levels need to be addressed, given their effects on independent businesses.