€40m outflow as theft of kegs hits drinks industry

It’s no barrel of laughs — the growing problem of stolen beer kegs is estimated to have cost the drinks industry €40m since 2007.

The Irish Brewers’ Association has expressed concern about the extent of the black market for stolen kegs which are turned into scrap metal.

The association yesterday urged pub owners to remain vigilant against the continuing risk of theft of empty barrels left outside their premises.