The Chairman of Longford Vintners Federation says the pub industry still needs support even though things have improved in the sector.
Stephen Coy who runs The Shannon Bar in Tarmonbarry says the sector has picked up again following Covid, but many publicans have reduced their opening hours due to costs.
He says the future has also become a lot more precarious for many premises, and a few bad weeks can have a much bigger impact than previously.
The Vintners Chairman says key supports like the 9% VAT rate, and energy interventions, are crucial to the pub trade and the wider hospitality sector.
'Since Covid, it feels like it has gone back to a week to week business than it is not something you are looking at years down the line. You really are kind of working on a short time basis as regards with costs and stuff like that you know a couple of slow weeks or a couple of bad weeks can hit. It is just having those supports there and the likes of the VAT rate and the energy supports. At the end of the day we create a lot of employment, but it has to be feasible too.'
