2,054 Irish pubs closed between 2005 and 2023, with an accelerated pace since 2019, mainly due to rising business costs and high excise taxes on alcohol.

2,054 Irish pubs closed between 2005 and 2023, with an average of 114 annually, according to the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI). The trend accelerated since 2019, with 144 pub closures per year. Limerick, Roscommon, Cork, Tipperary, and Laois experienced the highest pub closures. Rising business costs, including energy, insurance, and excise taxes, contributed to the decline. DIGI called for a reduction in excise taxes on alcohol as current rates are among the highest in Europe.

August 28, 2024
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