On Tuesday, October 15th, publicans from across the country gathered in Dublin to participate in the hospitality sector’s “Day of Action” protest. The event was a significant show of strength and unity from publicans who are struggling under the immense pressure of rising business costs and a lack of government support.
Over 1,000 publicans, hospitality owners and retails sector staff marched through Dublin’s streets, sending a clear message to the Government: small businesses are at breaking point, and urgent action is needed to save it. The protest highlighted the key challenges facing the industry unsustainable wage increase and the failure of the Government to provide meaningful supports in the recent Budget.
A Call for Action on Rising Costs
The main issue at the heart of the protest was the escalating cost of doing business. Publicans are grappling with significant labour cost hikes due to ongoing minimum wage increases. While the pub sector is committed to supporting fair wages, the pace of these increases is simply too fast for small, family-run businesses to absorb.
For many publicans, the current situation is unsustainable, with already thin profit margins being squeezed to the point where closure is a very real threat. Publicans fear that if the Government doesn’t take immediate action, many more businesses will follow.
Frustration with the Budget
Many publicans expressed their frustration with the recent Budget, which they believe has failed to recognise the unique challenges facing the pub industry. The lack of targeted supports for hospitality businesses was seen as a major oversight, particularly given the sector’s importance to tourism and rural communities.
Speaking at the protest, VFI CEO Pat Crotty stated, “We’ve been hit with blow after blow—energy costs, labour costs, insurance premiums. The recent Budget has completely ignored the struggles of publicans. We’re not asking for special treatment, but we need meaningful supports before it’s too late.”
Strong Turnout Sends a Clear Message
The large turnout at the protest demonstrated the strength of feeling within the pub sector. Publicans from every corner of the country attended, highlighting that this is a national issue affecting rural and urban communities alike. From small, family-run pubs to more prominent businesses, all were united in their call for immediate government intervention.
In addition to the publicans, the protest garnered significant media attention, raising awareness of the ongoing crisis within the pub trade. Many publicans shared their personal stories of struggling to keep their doors open, despite years of hard work and dedication to their businesses and communities.
The Fight Continues
While the protest was a powerful display of unity and determination, the fight is far from over. The VFI remains committed to lobbying the Government for the supports necessary to keep pubs open and thriving. The Federation President John Clendennen is seeking a meeting with Finance Minister Jack Chambers to push for meaningful decisions on wage relief and tax reforms.
Publicans left the protest energised and determined to continue the fight for their businesses, their communities, and the future of the Irish pub. The VFI will continue to represent their voices and advocate for the necessary changes to protect this vital industry.
