Diageo sales in Ireland fall 20% as Guinness and spirits sink on pub closures       

Kegs of Guinness stacked ready for distribution at the St James's Gate Guinness brewery in Dublin. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Diageo revenues in Ireland fell faster compared with many parts of Europe as the sales of Guinness and spirits were hit by the extended closure of pubs. 

Shares in Diageo fell 5.5% as it posted a sharp drop in overall sales for the 12 months to the end of June 30, larger than the fall analysts had expected.