Why all the Arthur’s Day critics?

As a publican, I am disappointed with the negativity towards Arthur’s Day. This event celebrates the internationally famous and unique Irish product — Guinness stout.

Tomorrow is an excuse for people to go to the pub to meet their friends, enjoy good music and have a glass or two of Guinness, perhaps with some food.

Now, where is the harm in that?

For me, and my colleagues in the pub business, any event that gets people out to the pub, and away from home drinking, is good.

We are in the business of offering people a social break in comfortable surroundings.

We serve alcohol in a responsible, controlled manner to adults. We are not in the business of getting people drunk.

To be fair to Diageo, Arthur’s Day is promoted responsibly. It is also about the great music — not just the great pints. All Diageo-supported events on this Thursday are about music, food, and the pint of Guinness.

The fact that successful musicians, such as Christy Moore and The Waterboys, have an issue with such a drink-sponsored event is humorous and hypocritical.

These now comfortably-off music legends played at many festivals over the years that would not have taken place if it were not for the sponsorship of drinks companies. To this day, publicans support solo acts, bands and music sessions weekly and pay vast amounts to IMRO every year.

Ironically, Arthur’s Day has become one of the busiest days of the year for musicians and bands throughout the country, and it’s always on a Thursday, a day that doesn’t clash with other bookings.

Munich has its famous beer festival and we now have a day, every September, at which we can toast all things Irish.

People have to be able to distinguish between casual, social drinking and alcohol abuse.

People have to be able to think for themselves and not give in to so-called ‘political correctness’.

The local pubs of Ireland have become modern-day community halls and cafés. They are an ‘escape from reality’ and a place to meet people and relax.

I am of the belief that any day that you can get to your local to read the paper, meet a friend, watch a match, enjoy some music and unwind, is a good day, and helps us get through the stresses of modern life.

Tom O’Connor

South County Bar & Café

Douglas village

Cork