VFI joins Taxis for Ireland Coalition

The newly-formed Taxis for Ireland Coalition today wrote to the Taoiseach and the Minister for Transport calling on Government to acknowledge the extreme shortage of taxis in cities, towns and rural areas across Ireland and address the persistent crisis, which has been negatively impacting both the Irish public, and tourism and hospitality businesses for many […]

Aunty Lena’s named Irish Pub of the Year 2023

Aunty Lena’s, Adare, Co Limerick is celebrating after being named National Pub of the Year at the Irish Pub Awards 2023. The Limerick pub was crowned national champion from a field of 63 regional winners at a Gala Awards Ceremony in The Round Room at The Mansion House, Dublin. The Irish Pub Awards are jointly […]

Coca-Cola’s Designated Driver Campaign back for Christmas

For the 19th year in a row, Coca-Cola HBC’s Designated Driver campaign is back to reward those drivers who get loved ones home safely after a night out. With a 33%* increase in deaths on our roads so far this year, planning your route home and potentially being the Designated Driver has never been more […]

Pat Crotty appointed VFI CEO

The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland has appointed Pat Crotty as its new CEO. Pat, who is from Kilkenny and is a former VFI President, takes over from Padraig Cribben. Pat ran the hugely successful Paris Texas bar in Kilkenny for a number of years and through his time as VFI President has developed a deep […]

Irish Pub Awards – Regional Winners

Congratulations to all the recently announced regional winners in the Irish Pub Awards. The standard of entries was very high again this year with a record number of entrants. The regional winners now go on to compete in the national awards which will be held in The Mansion House, Dublin, on Wednesday 15th November. Here […]

VFI calls for enhanced business support scheme 

The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) says the Increased Costs of Business Scheme (ICOB) announced in Budget 2024 will have limited impact for its members who are experiencing increased costs in every aspect of their business. The VFI is calling for the scheme to be enlarged and enhanced before its introduction in early 2024. VFI […]

VFI calls for clarity on Business Support Scheme

The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) is urging Government to engage immediately with the hospitality sector to clarify what supports are now available for its members following the publication of Budget 2024. While the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, TD, announced a €250m package for business there was no details about who […]

Hospitality VAT increase ‘tax on consumer’ – VFI

The decision by the Government to increase the Hospitality VAT rate from 9% to 13.5% from 1st September is extremely disappointing and is a tax on the consumer, says the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI). For pubs serving food the special 9% VAT rate was a crucial intervention at a time when the cost of […]

Support local pubs through excise reduction, says Trade body

A new report from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) has shown a continuing decline in the number of pubs across Ireland, with the rate of decline accelerating since Covid-19. The Irish Pub: Supporting our communities report, based on the group’s analysis1 shows a 22.5% decline in the number of pubs in the State […]

Insurance: Enough is Enough!

Alliance for Insurance Reform launches its Enough is Enough campaign to mark the commencement of legislation rebalancing the duty of care between occupiers and the public. “The new legislation will only work if it is implemented in the spirit it was intended by the judiciary, insurers, the legal profession, and ultimately, by the Irish public.” […]

HEINEKEN partners with LVA and VFI in new recruitment campaign

‘There’s No Experience Like Bar Experience’ HEINEKEN is joining forces with the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) and the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) to roll out a new cross-industry campaign for the pub sector to attract new talent into Ireland’s on trade and to showcase the dynamic career options on offer. Staffing remains a challenge […]

Pubs fighting back to pre-Covid levels, says VFI

Almost three-quarters of publicans outside Dublin say turnover is now similar or greater than pre-Covid, with many expected to upgrade their pubs in the coming year. A new survey shows the vast majority are confident about the future of their bars, despite the spiralling cost of energy, insurance and other operating expenses. The research for […]

VFI and LVA launch Irish Pub Awards 2023

The Irish Pub Awards 2023 are now live.  The awards are jointly presented by Vintners’ Federation Ireland (VFI) and Licenced Vintners Association (LVA). Pubs are now free to enter up to nine categories with judging set to take place over the summer. The Irish Pub Awards Gala night, where the overall National Pub of the […]

VAT and TBESS extensions welcome but challenges remain

The extension of the hospitality 9% VAT rate for a further six months and changes to Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS), making it easier for more publicans to qualify, have been welcomed by the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI). The Federation says the announcements will help ease the financial burden on its members over […]

Proposed legislation threatens rural pubs – VFI

The Sale of Alcohol Bill has the potential to undermine the entire rural pub trade and unless some sections of the Bill are altered many family-run businesses will close, says the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland. While many elements within the Sale of Alcohol Bill are welcomed by the trade, publicans are concerned by the proposal […]