Vintners: 800 pubs could shut

New Year’s Eve cheer will be thin on the ground in many watering holes as publicans warn 2013 could see time called on 800 pubs.

The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland says declining business and rising costs are threatening the pub trade like never before and many of those who welcome revellers for midnight celebrations tonight will not be around to see the next year through.

“An astonishing 20% of our members are at crisis point. Some 800 pubs are in serious financial trouble as they face 2013. That is 4,800 jobs at risk, potentially 4,800 new signatures on the Live Register,” it claimed.