'Publicans have said they've never seen anything like this' - rising costs leave rural pubs facing 'existential threat' as energy crisis hits

"Many rural pubs are facing an "existential threat" from mounting bills as a growing number are forced to close their doors, it has been claimed."

"Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) president Michael O'Donovan, who owns the Castle Inn in Cork city, said there is "real concern" among publicans about the increasing cost of doing business."

Many rural pubs face an existential threat as mounting bills drive closures. A growing number of pubs are forced to close their doors due to increasing costs of doing business. Publicans report real concern about the financial pressure they face. The Vintners' Federation of Ireland president Michael O'Donovan, who owns the Castle Inn in Cork city, said there is real concern among publicans about the increasing cost of operating a pub. The situation is linked to the broader claim that closures are increasing as group calls for targeted help from the Government grow.

Read at Independent