Exorbitant costs for non-alcoholic drinks in pubs

I READ with interest Jimmy Woulfe’s article concerning the downturn in trade in Limerick pubs (Irish Examiner, January 12).

There is no doubt people now frequent these premises less than before and, yes, random breath-testing and to a lesser extent the smoking ban have contributed.

Mr Hickey of the VFI is trying to get the support of the ICA and IFA in his efforts “to try and fight pub closures in country areas” and will also seek to make this a general election issue. He is even concerned for the well-being of those of us who might wish to drink at home — very touching indeed.

It is hard to take seriously his claim that “pubs are a controlled environment as far as drinking is concerned”. I continue to see customers served who can barely stand because they have consumed too much. What they might do once they stagger out the door at closing time doesn’t seem to be a concern for the publicans.

What Mr Hickey failed to mention is the high prices charged in Limerick pubs, particularly for non-alcoholic drinks. My recent experience is a charge of €4.20 for a bottle of non-alcoholic beer and between €2.20 and €2.70 for a bottle of mineral water. In addition the “choice” of non-alcoholic beers is limited to one.

By contrast, in France, when you ask for a non-alcoholic beer, there is a choice and the price is around €2.

It appears as if the publicans of Limerick are destitute, or are about to become so. Well, if this is the case (and I don’t believe so), it should also be remembered that up until now they had it good.

How many publicans are struggling to make ends meet? I drive a seven-year-old car with 100,000 miles on the clock — how many publicans in Limerick drive such vehicles? One publican in my parish has a 4WD and a coupe, another drives a cabriolet. I also know a few who drive Mercedes. Not one of the publicans in my area was on the recently published Coca-Cola designated drivers’ list.

Random breath-testing is an issue but the price of alcohol and soft drinks is also contributing to the problem.

There always was, and is now, huge profit-taking by publicans. If one of a group visiting a pub wishes to act as the designated driver for the night, it is going to cost that person more than if they consumed alcohol. This is crazy.

Publicans must play their part and reduce their exorbitant prices and non-alcoholic beverage prices in particular.

Also, there are requests to the Government to have school buses used at night to bring people to and from pubs. This is outrageous — taxpayers’ money used to keep publicans in the lifestyle to which they have become accustomed?

Mr Hickey and his VFI colleagues need to recognise they have a part to play in turning this situation around but it seems to be easier to play the victim than be constructive.

Mike Walsh

Briskamore

Clarina

Co Limerick.