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Lonely Planet Guide Affirms Irish Pub as Crucial to Tourism Sector

12-January-2012

The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI), which represents 4,500 publicans outside Dublin, today (12^th January 2011) warmly welcomed the latest Lonely Planet travel guide that has affirmed the Irish pub as the number one attraction for visitors coming to Ireland. However, the VFI is extremely critical of the Government and the previous administration for their lack of support.

VFI President Gerry Mellett said, “We are delighted but not surprised that overseas visitors still view the Irish pub as the top attraction in Ireland. This is to the credit of publicans around the country who continue to provide a valuable first rate service, giving tourists a place to eat, drink and in many cases to experience Irish music and entertainment.

“However, successive Governments have done little to support Ireland’s number one tourist attraction. On the contrary, obstacle after obstacle has been put in front of the industry resulting in declining options for those very tourists we are relying on to grow that most important of industries. More than 1,500 pubs have closed in the past five years and more pub closures and job losses are inevitable unless the Government acts to support this industry.”

Chief Executive Officer of the VFI, Padraig Cribben added, “We are delighted to be recognised once again by the Lonely Planet and would now like to see the Government taking action to support Ireland’s number one tourist attraction, to prevent further pub closures and to save more jobs in this industry before it’s too late.

“The Irish pub has a huge role to play in helping to assist economic growth through increased tourist numbers and the subsequent increased revenue.

“If the crippling regulation on the pub industry is addressed and certain measures are taken, thousands of jobs around the country will be saved. Publicans across the board have cut their cost base in order to stay in business but the high regulatory costs involved in running a pub are driving more and more out of business each week. This vitally important industry needs help if it is to survive.”

The VFI is calling on the Government to act now to save the industry by implementing certain measures. These are as follows:

• Minimum Price for Alcohol: Minister Roisin Shortall has been vocal in her support of this proposal and we look forward to seeing what action is taken if any.

• Rates: The Valuation Bill coming before the Dáil needs to have a clause that allows an appeal on rates based on a change in economic circumstances of the business.

• Rural Transport:  Publicans should be exempt from VAT and VRT on all new 7 and 9 seat vehicles to reflect the reality that publicans are acting as de facto taxi drivers in rural Ireland.

• VAT Exemption for those with low turnover: An increase in the current VAT exemption threshold from a turnover figure of €75,000 to €100,000.