If lax sentencing continues a publican will die

Attacks on publicans have risen 40%-50% in recent years and the lack of appropriate sentences is only exacerbating the problem, writes Padraig Cribben

There has been a series of high-profile violent attacks on publicans up and down the country. Unfortunately this phenomenon appears to be growing. Action, indeed very strong action, is urgently required to stem this tide. In my role as chief executive of the VFI, I receive calls on a weekly basis about violent assaults right across the country, from Donegal to Wexford.

Publicans and their staff are being left with serious injuries, both physical and mental, and premises are being significantly damaged on what is now a regular basis. We cannot sit back and expect things to mend themselves. Something has to be done urgently.