IRELAND is the most expensive place in Europe to buy alcohol, new figures have revealed.
Data researched by Eurostat shows that Irish people pay 70 per cent more than the European average for a tipple – ahead of Britain, which came in second place at 65 per cent.
One Irish group is blaming tax hikes for the news, and believes it may have a detrimental effect on tourism to Ireland.
“Ireland’s high alcohol tax take has left us in the strange position where Ireland is now one of the most expensive countries in the world to buy Irish whiskey,” the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland said in a statement.
“Visitors may be shocked when they find they can often purchase two bottles of Irish whiskey at home for the price of one in Ireland.”
The price of alcohol made headlines in Ireland today, as a new Oireachtas report aims to introduce a minimum price for alcohol, which could see the lowest price for a bottle of wine set at €10.
While Ireland's alcohol pricing is in the upper reaches, Denmark dominated the rest of the 'most expensive' lists.
Denmark is the costliest country in Europe for food and non-alcoholic beverages - as well being home to the most expensive hotels and restaurants.
Meanwhile, Europe's highest consumer electronics prices are in Malta.
