Drinks industry reports 14% fall in drink sales at pubs

Mid-year market figures from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland reveal that pub trade is experiencing "effective meltdown", suffering a 14.1% decline in the first seven months of 2010.

However, DIGI also said that the Government’s excise reduction announced as part of Budget 2010 has had the desired effect of stemming cross-border alcohol purchasing, with a 6.4% increase in sales recorded in the first six months of 2010.

Accordingly, DIGI said it will work with the Government to identify further stimulus measures in this December’s Budget to boost the employment-intensive hospitality industry in order to prevent closures and save jobs.