600 pubs at risk of closure, says industry group

The pub trade is in “crisis” and as many as 600 pubs are likely to close between this year and next, according to a group representing the sector.

DIGI, the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland, said analysis of figures for the first seven months of the year showed an 8.2% volume decrease in the amount of drink sold in pubs.

It also said average sales volumes for the first seven months were 34.2% below the pre-recession levels of 2007 — a situation which put thousands of jobs in the sector at risk.