Pub sales fall 9% with smoke ban

ALCOHOL sales in pubs across the country fell by almost 9% last year, according to figures from drinks group Heineken.

The brewer, which owns the Murphy's stout brand, said during the past five years beer sales in Ireland have declined by 13%.

The new figures come just days after Guinness owner Diageo reported a 10% decline in annual beer and lager sales. Heineken said its beer sales dropped by 6.7% in 2004.