Every three-and-a-half days a pub closes in Ireland.
The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland is warning that 2,119 pubs have closed across Ireland in the past 20 years. It represents a 25% decline of pub numbers across the country.
They are also forecasting 1,000 more pubs may close their doors within the next decade, unless publicans receive support.
The Vintner’s Federation of Ireland is calling for a 40% rebate on the tax charged on draught beer products.
Joe Sheridan is the Galway chair of the VFI. He runs Sheridan’s pub in Milltown. He says the 40% is essential for the survival of “grassroots, family businesses”, and that the upcoming Vat reduction in Budget 2026 for the hospitality sector won’t have an impact on the drinks-only industry.
He has been speaking to Midwest radio’s Rowan Kelly about the pleas for help coming from those within the pub business…
