One in three Republic of Ireland publicans who participated in a new survey conducted by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) said that there is a "moderate chance" that they will have to close their businesses permanently due to the impact of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
As reported by The Irish Times, DIGI conducted the survey during the first five days of October, and 1,085 publicans participated in it.
One in five of the publicans who participated in the survey said that their pubs have continuing costs of up to €2,000 per week to sustain as the pandemic continues.
One in four of the publicans who participated in the survey who have been able to reopen their venues under government guidelines in recent months said that their business has declined by more than 50% year-on-year, while an additional 40% said that they have experienced a 60% decline in profits.
DIGI said that half of the Republic of Ireland's publicans have had to let staff go permanently, and 40% have run up over €20,000 in debt due to the continuing pandemic.
Call For "A Direct Response And Targeted Support Measures"
The Irish Times quotes DIGI chair Liam Reid as saying, "With further restrictions an inevitability, coupled with a lack of a coherent strategy or any certainty, the sector requires a direct response and targeted support measures."
© 2020 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
