'Colossal' energy costs could force pubs to close or reduce winter opening times

Rising energy costs is the latest crisis facing the pub trade. File photo: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Hundreds of pubs around the country could either close or only open part-time this winter because of rising energy costs, industry chiefs are warning.

Across Cork county, it is estimated at least 300 pubs will close or reduce their opening times. The warning comes as pubs and restaurants are already starting to struggle with rising costs.