Supporting craft breweries

Then what is to stop a retailer failing to apply the deposit on a can, it being returned and a deposit being paid out?

We’re getting lucky for now on some old cans, but that will only last so much longer.

EDIT. I realise that actually is true now. Never mind. I blame the jet lag I’m experiencing. 😅

It just reads the barcode. I've had cans without the logo accepted, and even a can with the logo rejected! Admittedly I bought that one in January and didn't pay the deposit.

The reverse vending machine specifications document gives some more colour.

https://re-turn.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RVM-Specification.pdf

Para 3.1: Each container will have a DRSI approved logo on it to indicate its inclusion in the scheme.

Para 3.4: Barcode recognition is the main method of container identification. Containers will not be accepted without barcode recognition to validate the container. Therefore, all RVMs must be able to meet a number of criteria in relation to barcodes.

Para 3.9: The minimum recognition combinations for a container to be accepted by an RVM is: Barcode Recognition + Basic Shape Recognition + Weight Detection + Metal Detection.

Para 3.11: Logo recognition is not a prerequisite for the launch of the scheme. DRSI is looking to reduce the scheme’s exposure to fraud and may require Logo Recognition in the future.

So, the machines don't scan for the logo at all, only the barcode.

Used that scanner tool on a few more pre-deposit cans. A Ska brewing can & Kinnegar's Brewers at Play low alcohol IPA both were accepted, which surprised me. I had thought the former, a US brewery, wouldn't bother and the latter, a one off, wouldn't be registered. We'll see does the actual machine take them.

As an aside, I noticed this thread will turn 4 years old at the end of next month... what a wild ride. From the depths of Covid and supporting small breweries / independent off licences, minimum unit pricing, proposed labelling changes, deposit return scheme and everything in between... quite the 4 years for beer in Ireland!

I'd say about half the LOI teams have a craft beer link of some kind at this stage. Sligo to White Hag, Finn Harps to Kinnegar, St Pats to Rascals, Bohs to Porterhouse etc

Being a youngish lad when Micky Martin brought in the pub smoking ban (which I agree with) I thought at the time that once they’d finished cracking down on cigarettes they’d turn to alcohol and, lo and behold, they have. We’re getting super frightening labels next aren’t we?

I somehow think the 6% and over sector will be next to be discriminated. I hope I’m wrong.

I have a feeling that a lot of off licences don't want to be stuck with unbarcoded stock they won't be able to shift after May, so they're being very conservative with their ordering, until they clear the old stock off their shelves.

Both Whiplash and Wicklow Wolf have free shipping from their webstores.

I was only in there last week, and it was busy enough for early on a Wednesday evening I thought.

Against the Grain was open over the weekend. So don't think that's right.

Would be great if they kept things roughly the same but just not run by Galway Bay.

Interesting as they only renovated it last year, and not for the better, either imho.

Cat and Cage, Juno are the best options probably

former Red Parrot on Dorset Street, just a little over the bridge - not sure how good or not the craft offering is, but it'll be more than the two taps in McGraths (O'Haras and Galway Hooker; and one of the staff appears to lipread O'Haras as Carlsberg!)

Martins in Fairview is about 10/15 minute walk from Croke Park

20 minute walk.

I've done it plenty of times.

Here's a question for those more knowledgable than I...

I noticed Tesco have significantly different prices on gargle depending on whether or not the customer has a Clubcard; would the recent rule change about discounts on achohol not apply here?

No axe to grind one way or the other, just curious.

I remember my local offie having to do away with their loyalty scheme when all this came in and I was devastated ;)

Oh I know.

As a Limerick fan I have become a bit of an expert on the walk to Croke Park in recent times 🤣

So, in most bars, beer is considerably cheaper if you buy a pint rather than a half pint. Could this be illegal?

Ah, I had hoped that this thing I've been banging on about for years may finally have some standing in law. The price charged in some places for a half pint is outrageous compared to the price of a pint of the same beer!

I picked up a can of Rascals’ Strawberry Milkshake IPA. I noticed it has a logo indicating it is vegan friendly, but the ingredients list mentions lactose.

I had thought lactose was derived from milk sugars. Is there such a thing as vegan lactose, or am I just putting my ignorance on show for everyone?