1,000 pubs at risk in drink downturn

MORE than 1,000 pubs could close over the next three years as the downturn sees the Irish drinking almost one-fifth less than they did at the peak of the economic boom.

A report published by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland has warned that more jobs were under threat in a sector where 15,000 workers have already been made redundant in the past 18 months. Total employment in the industry now stands at 80,000.

The study also shows that overall drinks sales fell by almost 9% last year as a result of falling consumption associated with the weak economy and the ongoing problem of consumers travelling to the North to buy alcohol.