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A consumer watchdog has hit out at pubs and restaurants for the huge markup on Coca-Cola.

Punters are routinely being charged €2.50 for a 200ml bottle of the soft drink – two-and-a-half times the typical cost of a €1 can in the shops.

Standard cans contain 330ml so that’s 1c for every 3.3ml meaning a 200ml bottle should therefore cost just 60c.

But with the €2.50 price tag in pubs that represents a clear profit of 316%.

Michael Kilcoyne, Deputy Chairman of the Consumers’ Association, slammed the margin as “extortionate”.

He added: “Pubs and restaurants have no justification to be charging these prices.

"The drinks industry put a huge markup on Coca-Cola and it’s entirely unreasonable. To be making a profit of between 400 and 500% is wrong.

“It’s no wonder tourists say the country is expensive.”

Mr Kilcoyne said single bottles of the fizzy drink typically cost 40c or 50c, leaving a €2 profit for the seller.

But Vintners’ Federation of Ireland chief Padraig Cribben said the extra money accounted for overheads such as wages.

He added: “Your local publican is providing far more than just a soft drink.

“As well as offering a safe space to socialise, most pubs provide entertainment, quality food and free access to sport on TV. There is no substitute for the unique atmosphere of an Irish pub. It’s a bit like asking, ‘Would you rather watch a film on your TV at home or go to the cinema?”

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission said people should work out what offers value for money.

A spokesman said: “By using standard units of measurement, you can easily compare the prices of products, regardless of their size or brand.

“For example, sometimes items sold in bigger packs might look better value, but can actually be more expensive by weight or volume.”

Coca-Cola Ireland said: “Our licensing partners are responsible for setting the sale price of any products sold in their outlets.”