Minister’s plans not easy to swallow

‘May you live in interesting times.’ The Chinese proverb certainly aptly applies to Tadg O’Sullivan at the moment.

Although the publicans' chief insists there's never been a dull day in his 21 years at the helm of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, representing pub owners outside of Dublin, the present pressures on the industry make him busier than usual.

The current debate over drink culture and associated street violence and public disorder will soon result in dramatic changes for the way pubs are run.