VFI say morale amongst rural publicans at rock bottom
The Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) is calling for a tax credit in the 2027 budget to support struggling rural pubs. Publicans report that rising costs and a high volume of closures have left morale at an all-time low.
Why it matters
The decline of rural pubs reflects broader economic challenges facing small businesses and the erosion of traditional social infrastructure in rural communities.
Morale amongst rural publicans is at rock bottom as pubs continue to close and costs continue to rise, according to the president of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI).
Members of the VFI, a body representing thousands of publicans across Ireland, gathered outside Leinster House this morning in a last-ditch plea to the Government to introduce a new tax credit to support struggling rural pubs in Budget 2027.
The VFI's proposed on-trade sustainability scheme is a tax credit of €20 for every 50-litre keg of draught beer or cider sold, capped at €20,000 per pub per year.
VFI President Michael O'Donovan said the tax credit would be a lifeline for pubs in rural Ireland.
He said: "As we've seen over the last 20 years, pubs in rural Ireland have been disproportionately affected with costs and closures.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in