Vinters call on Govt to tackle below-cost sales

Publicans are calling on the Government to address the below-cost selling of alcohol.

They say 1,300 pubs have closed over the past five years - blaming the cheap availability of alcohol.

Publicans are calling it the 'death of the Irish pub' as hundreds of bars - particularly in rural areas - have been forced to close.

New figures from the Revenue Commissioners show that the decline in pub licences has been sharpest in Cork, Dublin, Mayo, Kerry and Limerick.

The Vinters Federation of Ireland says the Government urgently needs to address the below-cost selling of alcohol by retailers.

The VFI says the removal of restrictions on below-cost selling - combined with the smoking ban and stricter drink-driving regulations - is killing the industry

Meanwhile - 85 hospitality jobs are to go in Galway city with the closure of a number of businesses - all part of the Jona Group.

Staff at the Cellar Bar, Cuba nightclub, Bar 903, and the Harvest off-licence chain were given the news on Saturday.