Cavan experiences 17% drop in pubs
A few years back Kilnaleck held the title of the town with the most pubs in Ireland and Britain per head of population. The fortunes of the pub trade have declined to such an extent that across Ireland 1,500 have shut their doors for good since 2005.
The figures come from a survey by The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) that shows a 17.1% decrease in the number of licensed premises in that time. Although the rate of decline in Cavan is below the national average the impact on rural communities has been sorely felt.
Padraig Cribben, the Chief Executive Officer of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland said 31 pubs have shut up shop for good in the last 13 years: “In 2005 Cavan had 221 pubs. There are 190 licensed pubs today, representing a 14% tumble in operating premises. The national drop is 18.7%. There are 4,500 jobs in the County of Cavan in the broader hospitality sector. They pay wages of €115M per year.”
John Caulfield has just opened The Hatch Bar in Ballinagh says that the trading conditions for publicans are difficult: “You're definitely fighting against it. It has been ruined. You may say that ruined is a harsh word, but off licences have really damaged the trade. It is now a once a week thing. We are second highest for excise, and the highest for tax on wine, so it is a difficult environment to operate in.”
The publican says that given the current climate for bar owners looking at alternate revenue streams is essential: “Business is going good so far, but it's difficult because so much of your money goes in tax. My strategy is food and accommodations. If you work on having a nice gathering place for people to go out for a drink it can translate into a nice place for food as well. That is where the opportunity arises.”
For Padraic action can be more direct: “The DIGI is calling on the Government to reduce Ireland’s rate of excise tax. A reduction in alcohol excise tax will encourage the growth of our drinks and hospitality sector, return money to Irish consumers and make Ireland more competitive internationally.”