The steady closure of pubs across Clare is prompting fears for the future of the county’s tourism offering.
A new report compiled on behalf of the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland by DCU economist Anthony Foley shows there are now around 30 per cent fewer pubs in the county than there were two decades ago.
The report points to rising costs, high excise duties and changing consumer habits among the challenges facing the sector, while the industry warns that many more closures could follow.
Clare VFI Chair and Ennis publican Charlie O’Meara says businesses in the industry have been treated as glorified tax collectors for the Government and that without greater support, there may soon be nothing left for tourists to visit.
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