The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
NINETY-TWO pubs closed in Clare between 2005 and 2021, almost a quarter of the total number, figures from the Vintners Federation of Ireland show.
It’s no secret that the pub trade has been in decline for years, and the Clare figures aren’t even the worst in the country, with nine counties of the 26 in the Republic, losing even more.
Ten Clare pubs closed for good during the pandemic and Ennis publican Darragh McAllister said he wouldn’t rule out more, because things are quite unstable.
“At the moment it’s impossible to tell, we haven’t seen a noticeable trend. The feedback is that things are up and down all over the place, until it settles down it’s impossible to tell. People say they have a great week and suddenly for no reason they’ve a terrible week and it wipes out the good of the previous week.”
While he said a lot of people have already left the industry, more will consider it.
“A lot of those who made up their minds are gone, but there are still definitely people looking at other options.”
Mr McAllister said that breweries recently increased their prices, which has made things more difficult again given the surge in inflation across the economy.
In addition he said that during the lockdowns people got more used to staying at home, and now consumrer behaviour is far harder to predict.
“People are still going through a transition after Covid and lockdown and with all the uncertainty in the world they haven’t got into a rhythm as such.”
A spokesperson for the Vintners Federation of Ireland said that with pubs across the country going out of business, the sector needs a few breaks.
“Rural pub closures represent businesses that provide jobs, a hub in the local community for socialising and community integration and a cultural centre which has long been documented as among the main attractions for tourists visiting Ireland.
“The pace of decline increased as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic which saw the drinks and hospitality industry suffer the worst of all, with one of the longest lockdowns recorded globally.
“Considering this sharp decline and trend we’re witnessing, we need to monitor this industry carefully and ensure all the necessary supports are in place to contribute to stopping this trend.
“Our high alcohol excise tax is a cost and slows the growth of these businesses and impacts their day-to-day operations and bottom line. Exasperated currently with inflation and the cost of living.
“We are calling on the Government to reduce excise tax to support the industry with meaningful measures that will be felt immediately and reduce costs over night for tens of thousands of business owners.”
Owen Ryan
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked for a number of other regional titles in Limerick, Galway and Cork.
