Licensed wisdom XIV
“Talk about a revival. Ireland has completely turned its fortunes around, with its economy the fastest-growing in the EU in 2015. Dublin is a city on its uppers, buzzing along in a permanent state of celebration. It’s a sure sign that things are back on track when there are people in the pubs mid-week again (it went a bit tumbleweedy for a while).” – Gráinne McBride, Deputy Chief Sub-Editor of Condé Nast Traveller online, the luxury and lifestyle travel website, which has listed Ireland as one of the ‘Top 10 Destinations to Watch in 2016’.
“There is more money for the operator in wine, spirits, minerals and food and at this rate, those will become the key wet products of pubs and the tradition of beer will dissipate further.” – Paul Wigham, Chief Executive of All Our Bars pub group in the UK, railing against what he considers unwarranted price increases for beer recently announced by several major brewers there.
“Most other retail businesses will be open and trading but once again the licensed trade will be closed. For a Government which claims to be pro-business and seeking election it makes no sense” – VFI Chief Executive Padraig Cribben’s reaction to the Minister for Justice postponing once again the dismantling of Good Friday closing legislation.
