Dublin on-trade faces “unprecedented” competition & differentiation
The unprecedented levels of competition and differentiation in the Dublin licensed trade reflect the explosion of new outlets in the capital and means that those pubs and bars already established there “must up their game on wine, cocktails and bottled beers” according to LVA Chief Executive Donall O’Keeffe who told Drinks Industry Ireland, “The competition in the city across a number of sectors ranging from high-end restaurant chains to burrito joints has become so competitive.
“Pubs have to be operating to such a high level to compete – and I think they are.” – LVA Chief Executive Donall O’Keeffe.
“Having a story to tell has become an ongoing battle which is great for the consumer, for standards, for consumer choice and for the number of people now being attracted into town, but pubs have to be operating to such a high level to compete – and I think they are.”
Apart from this, the top issues for the Dublin licensed trade remain unchanged, namely the shortage of skilled staff, particularly in the kitchen and bar area and the runaway level of insurance costs, he added.
