Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Barman pulling a pint Shutterstock

More than 950 pubs closed down in Ireland over a five year period

Consumption of alcohol is down 14.1 per cent on 2007 levels, says drinks industry report.

THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC houses declined by 959 from 2007 to 2012, according to a report by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland. (DIGI)

As a result, DIGI is calling for a task force to be set up to address the decline of the local pub and independent off-licences.

The report published today finds that sales in pubs were down by one third since 2007. The result of these downward statistics is that employment in pubs was down 17 per cent from 2008 to 2012.

Drinking less

Per capita, Irish people are also consuming less alcohol, according to the figures, that state consumption is 14.1 per cent below 2007 levels.

The report revealed that despite significant pressure, the industry still provides over €2 billion in VAT and excise receipts and generates over €1 billion in exports annually.

The drinks sector also provides approximately 62,000 full or part time across different sectors of the economy with over €2 billion worth of inputs purchased by firms across manufacturing, retail and wholesale.

Downturn

However, DIGI says the industry is under increased pressure with bar sales down 33 per cent and an overall decline in retail sales of 12.5 per cent. From 2008 to 2011, there were 6000 job losses in the retail sector.

Chairman of DIGI, Peter O’Brien said the report comprehensively demonstrates the significant contribution the drinks industry makes to the economy but said that last year the government increased excise on alcohol which has added substantial hardship to an industry.

He is asking that the increase be reversed in the upcoming budget.

He said:

The facts are stark. In the manufacturing sector there has been a drop in employment levels from 6,146 in 2000 to 3,605 in 2011, across the 30 enterprises in drinks manufacturing.

In the on and off trade retailers there has been a substantial decline in the level of retail employees in recent years.

The report’s author, Anthony Foley said the report “clearly illustrates that the drinks industry is important for Ireland’s economy through employment and taxation as it works towards national recovery”.

Read: Youth charity calls on Arthur’s Day acts to donate fees to alcohol abuse groups>

Read: A pint in the Stag’s Head listed in top 50 ‘must eat experiences’>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
43 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute OU812
    Favourite OU812
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 7:38 AM

    The Rio cops are playing a blinder. They’re the best thing about these olympics.

    840
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Minom Pnom
    Favourite Minom Pnom
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 9:11 AM

    What’s funny is how this started. Lochte’s ma was grilling him why he got back so late and hadn’t been in touch with her. He made up this bs to avoid the truth. Then she speaks to the American media about it and suddenly Lochte and the others are being questioned about it on camera in Rio and it gets completely out of control, becomes a national pride thing for Brazil etc. and is subsequently exposed as a cover-up for drunken muppetry.

    394
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute colin
    Favourite colin
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 9:21 AM

    Moral of the story….. never lie to your mammy!

    493
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niall Brew
    Favourite Niall Brew
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 11:09 AM

    Pity they couldn’t be so useful out of competition…as corrupt as anything

    44
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mark Mansfield
    Favourite Mark Mansfield
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 11:56 AM

    I was going to suggest an garda siochana send a delegation out there to learn about effective policing, but it would be just our luck that they would send over a few rotten apples to embarrass us internationally…

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tumbleweed
    Favourite Tumbleweed
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 2:41 PM

    The cops in Rio are corrupt in the most corrupt country in Latin American ! Easy to see that they are trying to appear clean as the eyes of the world are on them ! There is NO Ticket scandal S you could not give the tickets away for free ,due to the zika virus and lack of credibility in the Olympic ideal . Records being broken by huge margins and we point the finger at others without suspecting our own ! When it’s all over we will see there was absolutely no ticket scandal

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hoofedup Bravo
    Favourite Hoofedup Bravo
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 2:53 PM

    Yeah, ok, are you a person or a bot?

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Skillington
    Favourite Tony Skillington
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 7:37 AM

    Ridiculous carry on by people meant to be representing their country. And the whole Lochte refusing to get down on the ground bit is a sign of his arrogance. They should have got a night in the cells for wasting police time. Delighted they’ve been shown up for what they are.

    483
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Porterkev
    Favourite Porterkev
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 7:46 AM

    Ryan Lochte is a 32 year old multiple Olympic medallist. Hardly a kid. I wouldn’t be so forgiving.

    444
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Minom Pnom
    Favourite Minom Pnom
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 8:40 AM

    The Olympic spokesman guy chose the use of the word “kid” deliberately apparently as a deliberate sarcastic dig at Lochte. The other swimmers are young guys.

    142
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Porterkev
    Favourite Porterkev
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 10:08 AM

    Yes, they are young. They are also in their 20s and representing their country.

    57
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tricia Golden
    Favourite Tricia Golden
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 10:10 AM

    Ever seen Ryan Lochte be interviewed…….

    As someone said yesterday, it’s like an outtake from Bill and Ted.

    100
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tricia Golden
    Favourite Tricia Golden
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 10:13 AM

    By the way, that is in no way an attempt to defend him.

    Lad is a total muppet.

    80
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Minom Pnom
    Favourite Minom Pnom
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 7:44 AM

    These swimmers and Tricky Hickey very much failed to put the Brazilian authorities back in their box. At least these yank lads got the gold medals in the bag. Heartache for tricky just missing out in the Olympic hide and seek the other morning.

    229
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jon Gripper McKee
    Favourite Jon Gripper McKee
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 8:49 AM

    Lightweight yanks. Probably OD’d on 3 bud lights.

    174
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe Murphy
    Favourite Joe Murphy
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 8:04 AM

    I am sure they did not think that Brazil was sophisticated enough to have CCTV and therefore they would get away with it. In crime ridden countries such as this they have many more security devices as danger is part of every day life.

    126
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Missyb211
    Favourite Missyb211
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 5:32 PM

    They’re not sophisticated enough to let the law take it’s course instead of demanding money on the spot for an alleged crime, while holding the suspected vandals at gunpoint. Who’s to say there was any damage to the bathroom. Is there cctv footage of them even doing that? I suspect not! The whole story may or may not be true but it gives an insight into the law in Brazil and I wouldn’t fancy it at any rate. Who wouldn’t retract their story, pay thousands to an “institution” , agree with the police’s version of events and just get the hell out of there? I’d want to get back to safe ground as quick as possible!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Larkin
    Favourite John Larkin
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 8:07 AM

    Why are comments closed on the other Rio Irish story

    106
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute rodrigo detriano
    Favourite rodrigo detriano
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 8:18 AM

    Comments are closed because people in high places are calling the shots. This is how democratic societies work in times of possible huge embarrassment to the cartel at the very top!!

    177
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary Murphy
    Favourite Mary Murphy
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 8:44 AM

    I only have one question on Our Rio Story. Did Minister Ross fly on the Government plane???

    60
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute rodrigo detriano
    Favourite rodrigo detriano
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 8:52 AM

    He didn’t fly on the government jet!

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute L-Plate
    Favourite L-Plate
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 8:59 AM

    He swam over. Beat the national record as well

    111
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary Murphy
    Favourite Mary Murphy
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 11:00 AM

    Thanks rodrigo

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Malvolio32
    Favourite Malvolio32
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 11:30 AM

    Not sure govt jet would have range?

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ger Buckley
    Favourite Ger Buckley
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 7:36 AM

    The demon drink. Too many lemonades

    102
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Les
    Favourite Brian Les
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 11:13 AM

    Feigend a robbery because they were on the Lochte

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Justin Devaney
    Favourite Justin Devaney
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 11:25 AM

    Lochte out of his tree.

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Steve McMahon
    Favourite Steve McMahon
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 7:53 AM

    Seriously .. What were they thinking .. They must have been jealous of all the attention phelps was getting so they decided they wanted some of there own … Muppets

    96
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor Cahill
    Favourite Conor Cahill
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 10:52 AM

    I can bet you my parent’s mortgage that Lochte’s arrogance stems from being Phelps’s understudy for some time and is sick of it. Much like Blake probably is of Bolt. These guys would deep down wish for these stars to fall.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Keith Fealy
    Favourite Keith Fealy
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 2:30 PM

    Lochte’s arrogance, although I’d be more inclined to call it ignorance, stems from him being dumb as shit. Watch an interview with him, It’ll all start to make sense.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eugene Walsh
    Favourite Eugene Walsh
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 7:37 AM

    Get out ye pair a cowboys. Something a paddy would…oh, me ticker !!!!

    88
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Minom Pnom
    Favourite Minom Pnom
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 7:47 AM

    The ugly American abroad sticks to type. No surprise there.

    65
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patrick Gough
    Favourite Patrick Gough
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 8:40 AM

    I am surprised. Americans abroad are usually polite well mannered law abiding

    91
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Guybrush Threepwood
    Favourite Guybrush Threepwood
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 3:57 PM

    On their own maybe. But when they’re in a group their notorious inferiority complexes go into overdrive. It’s the result of the society they’re brought up in. ‘America’ über alles!

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Harry Whitehead
    Favourite Harry Whitehead
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 7:48 AM

    “…vandalising a gas station bathroom…”. ‘Gas’ station? It’s one thing to quote American usage, it’s another to actually use it in your article.

    62
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Just2Comment
    Favourite Just2Comment
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 8:32 AM

    The author of the report is ‘AFP’ which stands for ‘American Foreign Press’. The article was written by an American journalist, hence the use of the phrase ‘gas station’. Does that soothe your indignation?

    99
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Oppa Gaillimh Style
    Favourite Oppa Gaillimh Style
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 9:25 AM

    AFP stands for Agence France-Presse, not American Foreign Press. Although the original article was written by an American journalist as you say, it is hardly too much to ask that it be adapted for Irish readers before being published on an Irish news site.

    44
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Motherofdivinejebus
    Favourite Motherofdivinejebus
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 9:25 AM

    LMAO!!! @ Just2comment

    you come across as so righteous and indignant in your comment, that so far almost everyone has agreed with you
    It is NOT “American Foreign Press” the image for AFP should b a dead giveaway for a start
    AFP stands for “Agence France-Presse” and AFP is the third largest news agency in the world, after the Associated Press and Reuters.
    If you are going to admonish someone and try and belittle them, at LEAST DO IT RIGHT……Like i just have……….hope that soothes your indignation…

    l

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Linehan
    Favourite Chris Linehan
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 9:28 AM

    American foreign press you say?

    That’s interesting. So it’s definitely not the Agence France Presse which is linked at the end of the article?

    Either you’re just making up news agencies or the journal can’t link correctly.

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Micheal S. O' Ceilleachair
    Favourite Micheal S. O' Ceilleachair
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 9:11 AM

    Lochte was definitely locked. Then deserted his pals.

    56
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pat Lonergan
    Favourite Pat Lonergan
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 8:21 AM

    Can thick as shit shit up in a blood sample?

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mark Fields
    Favourite Mark Fields
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 10:48 AM

    The lads were vandals at the petrol station who are now found to be liars as well. Then Ryan Lochte lied to Billy Bush, and then to Matt Lauer. As recently as 24 hours ago NBC on the Today show was still defending Lochte after showing a stern-faced Brazilian official who explained the detention of the swimmers as due to court order.

    A good portion of the Olympic athletes of all nations are hard-working, focused people who excel at particular sports. Most respect the laws of the host country.

    I respect all of these people, winners and competitors alike.

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rob Cahill
    Favourite Rob Cahill
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 9:39 AM

    KIds??

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerry Fallon
    Favourite Gerry Fallon
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 9:17 AM

    That IS a mugging isint it? Stopping off for a slash,probably pebble dashed the toilet bowl after a dodgy Curry. That was their act of vandalism,Garage attendants pull guns on them demanding compensation and got money from them.Thats illegal.why didn’t They call the cops? Finally they were released when they made a forced statement admitting they made it all up.what a load of Shi*e.Brazillian justice?wouldn’t go near the Kip.! If you get into any difficulties there you’re in big trouble.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Avina Laaf
    Favourite Avina Laaf
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 9:48 AM

    They kicked in a door – why wouldn’t the filling station expect the damage to be paid for?

    44
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian
    Favourite Ian
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 10:25 AM

    Head down to your local Topaz and kick in the jacks door, if the attendant pulls a gun and takes you money at gun point instead of calling the gards lets us know if you think it was fair

    22
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Avina Laaf
    Favourite Avina Laaf
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 11:40 AM

    Brazil isn’t Ireland – things work differently there.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Don Dealgan
    Favourite Don Dealgan
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 11:59 AM

    Rio 2016 been brilliant for new records – record new lows in cheating/doping,bribery, corruption, lies ,deceit Etc

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tina Kanayo
    Favourite Tina Kanayo
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 11:43 AM

    They should all have their medals stripped. Absolutely disgusting behavior and that Locte fella is grade A d**che for leaving his team mates out to dry.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cathal Finnerty
    Favourite Cathal Finnerty
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 1:43 PM

    D!ckheads. Rich kid mommys boys who got caught and as usual are paying themselves out of the pickle they got themselves in

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patrick Callan
    Favourite Patrick Callan
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 11:08 AM

    They must have been absolutely Locht

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patrick Gough
    Favourite Patrick Gough
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 8:36 AM

    What was their game?

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jimmyjoe Wallace
    Favourite Jimmyjoe Wallace
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 10:13 AM

    Swimming

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute rockmast
    Favourite rockmast
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 12:25 PM

    I blame the chlorine in the water. Its worse than alcohol.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lorem Ipsum
    Favourite Lorem Ipsum
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 11:12 AM

    What suspicious-minded MONSTER actually checked out their story? Are we not supposed to just #Listenandbelieve??

    Punishing this guy will discourage victims from coming forward in future, thereby re-enforcing robbery culture

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fiona Fitzgerald
    Favourite Fiona Fitzgerald
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 7:28 PM

    It seems to me that they could have had manners in the first place, and waited for the police. Instead threw fifty dollars at the staff and off they went. Then there was talk of $400 and everything being stolen from them all. I wouldn’t want to be Lochte making an insurance claim in the future.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Dixon
    Favourite John Dixon
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 1:30 PM

    Those yanks just can’t handle their licker

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Faild State
    Favourite Faild State
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 11:52 AM

    Money talks

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mindfulirish
    Favourite Mindfulirish
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 3:02 PM

    This is nothing to the shocking behaviour of Mc Gregor at the press conference. A thug with money is the worst sort.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tina Kanayo
    Favourite Tina Kanayo
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 3:49 PM

    What? Mc Gregor is a paid fighter and last time I checked he did not fabricate stories to the police. I do detect a bit of classism from you as this story deals with a privileged WASP yet you feel the need to blame Mc Gregor.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Avina Laaf
    Favourite Avina Laaf
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 4:27 PM

    Press conference stunts like that are all pre-planned and part of the game – it’s all about whipping up the hype and bringing in the $$$ baby!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Fox
    Favourite John Fox
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 11:52 AM

    Jamie “Feign”.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute €uromancer
    Favourite €uromancer
    Report
    Aug 20th 2016, 4:00 PM

    US swimmers create new Olympic event for storytelling: ‘The 10K’!
    If the swimmers got such a hefty fine for a ‘misdemeanor’, what will the Brazilians do with ticketmaster #Hickey?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Guy Incognito
    Favourite Guy Incognito
    Report
    Aug 19th 2016, 9:30 AM

    Now I’m going to have a hard time believing a man when he says he has been robbed.

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      News in 60 seconds