Pubs under threat as number of drinkers fall
A study by Amárach Consulting warns that publicans are sailing into a perfect storm which will see "a much reduced 'fleet' making it through to the other side in the months and years ahead'. Although the smoking ban is the most imminent threat, populations trends are also working against the country's 7,000 publicans.
The number of 18-24 year olds has peaked and is set to decline by over 1% per annum for the next 10 years. Publicans can no longer rely on this high spending, high attending group to boost their sales. The study which was independently carried out by Amárach Consulting and not commissioned by any interest group also points out that the value of pub sales has increased dramatically since 1996 through regular price increases.
