I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 46 together.
Some restaurants allow customer-provided drinks and often charge corkage fees for this service.
Businesses in Ireland are free to set their own prices independently, provided they comply with consumer protection law. While there is no legal cap on prices or requirement to link prices to costs, consumer law requires clear, upfront disclosure of total prices, including any charges, so that consumers can make informed decisions.
My Department has considered the issue in the context of fairness and transparency. Businesses must ensure that any such fees are clearly disclosed in advance—such as on menus or price lists—and presented in a way that does not mislead consumers. Failure to provide transparent or consistent information about these charges could raise issues under consumer protection legislation.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the independent statutory body responsible for enforcing consumer protection rules. It provides guidance to businesses on price display obligations and can investigate suspected breaches. Any consumer who believes they have been misled or subjected to unfair pricing practices should contact the CCPC.
My department maintains ongoing engagement with the CCPC in light of recent economic challenges as part of broader efforts to ensure fair competition and robust consumer protection across sectors, including hospitality. We will continue to monitor this issue, including through our engagement with the CCPC and relevant industry bodies, to support compliance and transparency for all consumers.
I encourage restaurants to ensure corkage policies—including for non-alcoholic beverages—are clearly displayed and explained, so that consumers are fully informed at the point of choice.
