Pub closures are affecting people’s mental health, says Cork off-licence owner

Noel McCarthy, proprietor of the Carry Out Off licence in Fermoy. File picture: Eddie O'Hare

The owner of an off-licence in a town dubbed one of Ireland's “driest” says it is unfair that rural pubs aren't allowed to open as it's affecting people's mental health.

A little over 100 years ago Fermoy, Co Cork boasted more than 50 pubs. Today that number is far less and it would appear none can open if they don't serve food.