Steep decline in trade hits rural pubs
New figures show that rural pubs are closing at a rate of one a day.
Four hundred and forty fewer pub licences were issued or renewed last year compared to 2005, according to figures from the Revenue Commissioners.
The biggest fall in the pub trade is in the Border, Midlands and Western counties, were 227 pub licences were lost last year, according to these figures published in today's Irish Times.
Kerry, Cork, Clare and Limerick are also being hit hard, with licences down by 130.
The capital however has fare much better with Dublin losing just 10 licences.
The fall in popularity of the rural pub has been blamed on the smoking ban and the introduction of random breath testing.
Vintners' groups have now killed on the government to give rates relief to rural pubs, and reductions in vehicle registration tax for publicans who provide transport to their customers.
