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Irish Post
9 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Post
Two pubs closing each week in Ireland
OVER 2000 pubs have closed in Ireland in the last twenty years, according to a new report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI). The study, by economist and DCU associate professor Anthony Foley, paints a bleak picture for the future of Irish pubs, especially in rural areas. From 2005 to 2024, the number of licensed pubs in Ireland dropped from 8,617 to 6,498, amounting to a decline of more than 25%. While closures have been widespread across all 26 counties, rural areas have been hit hardest. Counties like Limerick, Offaly, and Cork experienced the steepest drops, with decreases of 37%, 34%, and 32%, respectively. Meanwhile, Dublin saw the smallest decline at just 1.7%. The report underscores a troubling trend: the erosion of pubs in rural communities, where they often act as much more than just a place to drink. 'There has been a pattern of pub closures across Ireland, particularly in rural Ireland, in recent years,' said Professor Foley in the report. These pubs are frequently the heart of their communities, offering a vital social and cultural hub as well as a key attraction for tourism. According to DIGI Secretary Donall O'Keeffe, the primary reason behind these closures is the high costs imposed by the state, including taxes and regulatory burdens. Ireland currently has the second-highest tax rate on alcohol in the European Union, alongside a 23% VAT rate. These costs, coupled with rising operating expenses and falling rural populations, are making it harder for family-owned pubs to stay afloat. 'The addition of profound economic uncertainty through US trade tariffs and reduced levels of inbound tourism further threaten the financial foundations of family-owned pubs across the country,' said Foley. DIGI is calling for a 10% cut in excise duty in the upcoming budget to help ease the financial burden on pub owners. 'With Irish consumption of alcohol having fallen to average EU levels and likely to continue dropping, it is no longer justifiable that pubs should be faced with the second-highest excise rates in Europe,' said O'Keeffe. The report projects that between 600 and 1,000 more pubs could close over the next decade if nothing changes. See More: Anthony Foley, DIGI, Donall O'Keefe, Irish Pubs
Extra.ie
2 days ago
- Business
- Extra.ie
Revealed: This is how many Irish pubs closed in the last 20 years
Over a quarter of Irish pubs have closed their doors since 2005, according to a report by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI). The research found that from 2005 to 2024, the number of publican licenses went from 8,617 to 6,498, with over 2,100 pubs having closed in total. DIGI has predicted up to 1,000 pubs to potentially close in the next 10 years. 'We are likely to see a further 600 to 1,000 pubs close over the coming decade,' said the report's author, Professor Foley. 'The addition of profound economic uncertainty through US trade tariffs and reduced levels of inbound tourism further threatens the financial foundations of family-owned pubs across the country.' The report, along with Economist and Associate Professor Emeritus at DCU, Anthony Foley, has found that an average of 112 pubs have stopped trading each year. The largest rate of closure was in rural countries, with the highest decreases at 37.2% in Co. Limerick, followed by 34.1% in Co. Offaly and 32.7% in Co. Cork. Limerick has experienced pub numbers dropping from 478 to 300 since 2005. The lowest decrease was in Co. Dublin at 1.7%, followed by 9.5% in Co. Meath and 10.8% in Co. Wicklow. DIGI secretary Donall O'Keefe has called on the government to cut excise duty by 10% in the upcoming budget, stating that the Irish consumption of alcohol has fallen to average EU levels, meaning there is no justification for the high rate. 'With Irish consumption of alcohol having fallen to average EU levels, and likely to continue dropping, it is no longer justifiable that pubs should be faced with the second-highest excise rates in Europe,' he said.
The Journal
2 days ago
- Business
- The Journal
Ireland has lost a quarter of its pubs since 2005
OVER 2100 PUBS – or 24.6% of public houses in Ireland – have closed since 2005, a new report has found. It comes as research indicated a further 1,000 pubs could close over the coming decade. The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland's report shows a continuing decline of the number of publican licenses and the amount of pubs closing its doors. Between 2005 and 2024, the number of publican licenses went from 8,617 to 6,498. The report, compiled by Economist and Associate Professor Emeritus at DCU, Anthony Foley, shows that an average of 112 pubs stopped trading every year, with a further 600 to 1,000 closures estimated over the next decade. The average number of pub closures per year rose to 128 when measuring between 2019 and 2024. Advertisement Rural counties had the highest rates of closure. Limerick, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary, Laois, Longford, and Mayo all recorded closure rates of over 30% in the time period measured. Limerick had the largest amount of pubs close their doors. Over 37% of pubs in the county ceased business over the 19 years accounted for, Having had 478 pubs in 2005, it now has 300. The lowest decrease was in Dublin with a drop of -1.7%, going from 786 pubs in 2005 to 773. Meath had a decrease of -9.5%. Wicklow had a decrease of 10.8% and all other counties saw a 13% or greater decrease. According to DIGI, the high cost of doing of business was a major contributory factor to the alarming rate of closures recorded by the report. It said that without immediate action by the Government, 'many villages and small towns will soon lose their last remaining pub which would deal a devastating blow to the economic and social fabric of that community.' Commenting on the report, author Professor Tony Foley said that the addition of 'profound economic uncertainty through US trade tariffs' and reduced levels of tourism 'further threaten the financial conditions of family-owned pubs across the country. 'In the absence of government intervention, we are likely to see a further 600 to 1,000 pubs close over the coming decade.' DIGI secretary Donall O'Keeffe said that the government should cut the excise rate in the upcoming budget, saying that the Irish consumption of alcohol has fallen to average EU levels and there is no justification for the high rate. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Inside Ireland's pub industry's devastating decline as 2,100 boozers pull final pints amid VAT rate ‘act now' cut call
OVER 2,100 pubs have shut their doors permanently in the past 20 years, according to a shock new report. One in four have closed down since 2005 as the 2 Professor Anthony Foley found that an average of 112 pubs stopped trading every year The study, commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland, found that a massive 2,119 have pulled their final pints in that period. Compiled by Economist and Associate Professor Emeritus at DCU, Professor Anthony Foley, the research found that an average of 112 pubs stopped trading every year, with a further 600 to 1,000 closures estimated over the next decade. All 26 counties experienced declines in pub numbers between 2005 and 2024. The highest decrease was in Limerick, which has seen the numbers fall by 37.2 per cent, followed by READ MORE IN MONEY The lowest decrease was in DIGI said the high cost of doing business was a major factor to the alarming rate of closures recorded by the report. The group pleaded with the Government for help, warning that many villages and small towns will lose their remaining pubs, dealing a 'devastating blow to the economic and social fabric of that community'. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN DIGI has urged the policy makers to use the upcoming Budget to introduce a 10 per cent cut in excise, which currently stands as the second highest in the Locals Heartbroken as Auchenmalg's Only Pub, The Cock Inn, Closes Down Commenting on the report, Professor Foley said: 'This report reveals a pattern of pub closures across Ireland, particularly in rural Ireland in recent years. 'The addition of profound economic uncertainty through 'In the absence of government intervention, we are likely to see a further 600 to 1,000 pubs close over the coming decade.' 'ACT BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE' DIGI secretary Donall O'Keeffe, who is also the CEO of the Licensed Vintner's Federation warned that the high VAT was also crippling pubs and urged the Government to act now. He said: 'More than 100 pubs are closing every year in Ireland, due in large part to the high costs imposed by the State. 'Without immediate intervention, up to 1,000 more pubs will close for the last time, leaving their communities without a vital community and tourism hub. Once closed, such pubs rarely re-open. 'The Government could improve commercial viability overnight by cutting excise by 10 per cent. "With Irish consumption of alcohol having fallen to average 'This is on top of a hefty 23 per cent VAT rate. The time for the Government to act is now before it is too late.' 2 All 26 counties experienced declines in pub numbers between 2005 and 2024 Credit: Getty
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Two pubs a week are now closing in Ireland
One in four Irish pubs have closed over the past two decades, or two premises a week now closing permanently, with the problem most acute across rural Ireland. A stark new report from the drinks industry found that 2,119 pubs closed between 2005 and last year, with up to 1,000 more to shut over the next decade as the sector very faces a difficult environment of higher costs, economic uncertainty and changing consumer trends. The report compiled by Drinks Industry Group Ireland (DIGI) found that rural Ireland has been worst affected, with one in every three pubs across Cork, Limerick and Offaly closing down since 2005. Using data from the register of alcohol licences compiled and analysed by the Vintners Federation of Ireland, the report found that the 1,221 pubs in Cork in 2005 has fallen to 822 pubs last year. The drop in Limerick was more acute, falling from 478 pubs in 2005 to just 300 last year. Dublin, which had 786 pubs in 2005 saw the smallest national decline dropping to 773 last year highlighting the sharper drop in more rural counties. Last month, the Irish Examiner reported that 50 pub premises are currently for sale across Cork city and county with one estate agent estimating that at least 10 would not be viable as a business going forward. 'For countless villages and rural areas, the pub is the primary hub for social gathering, the place where neighbours connect and local events are hosted,' DIGI CEO Donal O'Keeffe said. The loss of these businesses, many of them family-run for generations, creates a vacuum that damages the social fabric of communities and deepens the risk of rural isolation. 'In counties like Limerick, which has lost well over a third of its pubs, and seven other counties where over 30% of premises have vanished, this trend has reshaped communities and promoted social disconnection." The report's author, economist Dr Anthony Foley, said the Government could improve commercial viability overnight by cutting excise by 10%. 'With Irish consumption of alcohol having fallen to average EU levels, and likely to continue dropping, it is no longer justifiable that pubs should be faced with the second-highest excise rates in Europe. "This is on top of a hefty 23% Vat rate. The time for the Government to act is now before it is too late.' Excise cut would provide immediate relief The report said a 10% cut in excise on alcohol in Budget 2026 would provide immediate relief to businesses and signal a commitment to the viability of the sector, which has seen a quarter of pubs close their doors over the past two decades. The report sets out a range of reasons behind pub closures. Some of these are interlinked, such as low commercial returns, which discourage younger family members from succeeding older publicans on retirement or death. "These determinants include low levels of business volume, weak commercial sustainability, non-replacement of pub operators on retirement or death, regulatory changes such as tighter drink driving laws and enforcement allied with weak or non-existent public transport, population change and distribution, changes in consumer patterns and expectations, alcohol market changes, more attractive alternative economic activities and income opportunities and asset prices for pub licences which are used to facilitate the opening of new off-licences in supermarkets, convenience stores, discounters and petrol stations," the report states. The DIGI said supporting the Irish pub is also about cultural and social considerations they are "iconic symbols of Irish culture, drawing thousands of tourists each year and greatly boosting the tourism and hospitality sector". It said: Allowing their continuing decline would mean losing one of Ireland's most valuable assets. The warnings from the DIGI are backed up by data elsewhere. The changing consumer trends are reflected in recent data from the CSO's retail sales index. Bars saw a 6.8% drop in sales volumes over the past year, the highest annual decline of any industry sector. The DIGI report puts excise in the crosshairs for the Government as it formulates the next budget. The report notes that the State takes an average of €1.67 from a pint of stout and €17.01 from a bottle of off-licence whiskey. "In Ireland, a 70cl bottle of Irish whiskey sold at an off-licence is levied with an additional excise duty of almost €12," Mr Foley said. "In an Italian off-licence, that same bottle of Irish whiskey has an excise duty of just €2.90." "For a French visitor to Ireland, a standard glass of wine which would attract an excise duty in France of just 1 cent is levied with an additional 80 cents excise duty here, while 15 EU countries do not charge any excise tax on wine at all." "A reduction in the excise rate, as proposed by DIGI, would have the effect of immediately boosting the viability of the Irish pub, particularly in more remote, rural areas where employers are often hard to find," he said. Read More Locals celebrate as Kerry community group wins bid to take over village pub
