The Chair of Clare VFI is hopeful that the pubs that managed to weather the covid storm, will survive into the future.
It comes as the Vintners Federation of Ireland is holding its annual conference today, where cautious optimism is being expressed by those in the industry, who’ve so far managed to keep their doors open post-pandemic.
Almost three-quarters of publicans outside the capital say turnover is now similar or greater than before the pandemic, with many expected to upgrade their pubs in the coming year.
A new survey from the Vintners Federation of Ireland shows the vast majority are confident about the future of their bars, despite the spiralling cost of energy, insurance and other operating expenses.
The VFI is holding its annual conference today, where its new President, John Clendennen has told members that post Covid, pubs are striving to become established visitor destinations and vital economic pillars in local areas.
But he says while there’s an air of optimism, the issue of transport to and from rural pubs needs to be addressed.
Chair of Clare VFI, Charlie O’Meara has welcomed the positive news, but says that because so many pubs have closed, those who managed to make it to the other side of the pandemic are picking up the shortfall.
The survey bears out strong anecdotal sentiment within the industry that post-Covid investment in pubs is critical to the industry recovering after three pandemic lockdowns.
However, Ennis publican Daragh McAllister says radical changes to licensing laws later this year could have an impact on decisions for existing businesses or those thinking of opening a new venture.
You can hear the full interview below
