Price is forcing drinkers to abandon the bar

ON THE ‘bleak’ image that VFI chief executive Tadgh O’Sullivan recently presented with regard to the financial situation of publicans, would it be fair to assume they are collectively crying into their overpriced pints?

Mr O'Sullivan provided us with income information regarding 26% of the nation's publicans who seem to be on the breadline with under €60,000 a year!

What about the other 74%? The drinks industry, the Government and the publicans are driving the punter from the bar not the smoking ban.

It is high time for reform of this national industry. Perhaps an ombudsman should be appointed.

Eamonn T Gardiner

17 Castle Grove

Mallow

Co Cork