Over 2,100 pub closures in last 20 years, report finds

More than 2,100 pubs across the country have closed since 2005, according to a new report.

The study, commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI), found that an average of 112 pubs stopped trading every year over the last 20 years.

DIGI said the report concluded the number of pubs in Ireland is continuing decline, with 2,119, or one in four, closing their doors since 2005.

It shows between 2005 and 2024 the number of publican licenses declined by almost 25%, from 8,617 to 6,498.

The report was compiled by economist and Associate Professor Emeritus at Dublin City University Anthony Foley.

According to the research, 26 counties experienced declines in pub numbers over the 2005 to 2024 period, with the rate of closure highest in rural counties.

The highest decrease was in Co Limerick at 37.2%, followed by Co Offaly at 34.1% and Co Cork at 32.7%.

While the lowest decrease was in Dublin at 1.7%, followed by Co Meath at 9.5%, and Co Wicklow at 10.8%.

DIGI warned the research indicates that up to a further 600 to 1,000 pubs could close over the coming decade.

The report’s author, Professor Foley, said it reveals “a pattern of pub closures across Ireland, particularly in rural Ireland in recent years”.

“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,” he added.

Mr Foley said in the absence of Government intervention, “we are likely to see a further 600 to 1,000 pubs close over the coming decade”.

DIGI has called on the Government to cut excise duty by 10% in the Budget.

The Licensed Vintners Association chief executive and Secretary of DIGI claimed 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,” Donall O’Keeffe added.

Mr O’Keeffe said the Government could improve commercial viability overnight by “cutting excise by 10%”.

He said: “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.”

DIGI said the report was prepared using data from the register of alcohol licences compiled by the Revenue Commissioners and analysed by the Vintners Federation of Ireland to eliminate other licenced enterprises such as hotels.

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