Thirst for pub acquisitions slaked by economic and social impact of Covid

There was virtually zero purchase interest in rural pubs last year with 'no notable sales' recorded in Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford or Kilkenny

Only six of the eight Dublin pub deals on which contracts were signed in the early part of last year, before Covid struck the country in March, had completed by the end of 2020. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

The number of pubs changing ownership fell for the sixth year in a row in 2020, with the economic and social disruption caused by Covid slaking the thirst for purchases, particularly outside of Dublin.

There were a total of 13 pub transactions last year, according to figures from Lisney subsidiary Morrissey’s.