Pubs feeling the pinch as 28 publicans yet to renew licences for 2010
by Karen Downey Updated: Friday, 3rd September, 2010 12:00pm
Pubs in Offaly are feeling the pinch as supermarkets sell alcohol below cost, according to Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) representative for the Tullamore area Paul Bell.
Mr Bell made his comments after it emerged that some 28 publicans in Offaly have yet to renew their licences for this year.
He said, however, that the figures from the Revenue Commissioners may be slightly inflated as publicans still have until the end of September to renew their licences. He explained that publicans cannot renew their licences until they produce a tax clearance certificate, which meant they must have their tax affairs in order before they could renew their licences.
However, he said the biggest issue facing publicans at the moment was the low prices at which supermarkets were selling drink.
"The biggest issue we would have at the moment is large supermarkets selling alcohol below cost. People are then drinking at home in a non-policed environment. We control what people are drinking when they are in the pubs. We are lobbying our TDs on this issue," he said. "From a social perspective it's a huge issue."
He said other issues contributing to the downturn for pubs was the lower drink driving level and the smoking ban.
"It's very hard for us to argue anything against the drink driving level. We don't condone drink driving but the levels are gone ridiculous," he said.
"Our biggest gripe would be the low cost selling, it's going against our business. Every pub is feeling the pinch," Mr Bell added. "Everywhere is feeling the pinch and there will be pubs that won't be able to renew their licences as a result."
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