Pubs require 'urgent' support due to high energy bills

Pubs require "urgent and substantive energy supports" according to the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland.

More than four in ten Irish adults plan fewer visits to pubs for the remainder of 2022, due to cost of living pressures, according to new research.

Vintners’ Federation of Ireland CEO, Paul Clancy, has called for urgent and substantive energy supports for the pub trade in Budget 2023. He says pubs cannot pass on increases to customers already under financial strain.

The CGA (Curren Goodden Associates) Cost of Living Consumer Pulse Survey, carried out across Ireland and the UK last month, found that 42% of Irish adults plan to visit pubs far less often between now and New Year’s Eve.

Increasing energy costs have hit households and businesses across the country, with calls for measures to be introduced in Budget 2023.

“The survey findings paint a bleak future for the pubs of Ireland, their staff and the communities where they often provide a vital social hub,” said Mr Clancy, whose organisation represents 4,000 publicans.

“With 42% of pub-goers expected to curtail visits due to cost of living pressures, it is vital that Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe provides urgent and substantive energy supports to the pub trade in Budget 2023."

The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland claims there has been a 21% drop in the number of pubs in Ireland since 2005.

The VFI says research by the University of York and Newcastle Business School has highlighted the significant contribution of the Irish pub to the economy with 50,000 employed and €60.7 million generated in wages.