Vintners launch Euros initiative

Hard-pressed Kerry publicans have introduced a €5,000 cash draw to lure customers to their premises for the European Championship finals.

The idea is to recreate the atmosphere of major soccer championships in the 1990s when pubs, packed with fans watching matches on TV, had a bonanza.

Around 100 pubs in the county have signed up for the Kerry VFI-organised initiative.

Anyone who buys an alcoholic or soft drink during the promotion will receive a ticket for the draw.

After Euro 2012, each pub will hold its own draw and the winners will qualify for a final draw which will have a top cash prize of €3,000 and second and third prizes of €1,000 each.

Kerry VFI chairman Ger Counihan said the promotion was a self-help initiative by publicans, adding the European Championships presented an opportunity.

“It’s about getting people back into the pubs where they can enjoy the atmosphere,” he said.

While acknowledging there was a drink problem in Ireland, he said the problem was not in the pubs, but on the streets. “We (pubs) provide a safe environment where people can come and enjoy a game,” he said.

During Italia ’90, the Irish soccer team helped stimulate the economy Mr Counihan of Bunker’s Bar, Killorglin, said and he believed it could happen again this summer.