One in five pubs has cut workforce in past 12 months, says VFI

Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment will discuss competitiveness and the cost of doing business in Ireland

VFI President Michael O'Donovan and VFI chief executive Pat Crotty will address the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment on Wednesday. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

One in five Irish pubs has cut back its workforce in the past years, as rising costs continue to threaten rural pubs, the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) has warned. 

VFI, which represents 3,500 publicans nationwide, said cost pressures continue to threaten the viability of many rural pubs. VFI chief executive Pat Crotty and VFI president and proprietor of Cork city's The Castle Inn will address the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment on Wednesday as part of a meeting on competitiveness and the cost of doing business in Ireland ahead of Budget 2027.