Publicans claim lack of action will cause 5,000 job losses

PUBLICANS have vowed to step up pressure on the Government to introduce a range of measures to prevent the loss of 5,000 jobs at risk in the sector.

The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) said 4,800 jobs had already been lost in the industry over the past year.

The industry representative group warned that the social fabric of rural Ireland was under threat from high taxes and plans to lower the drink-driving limit.