Irish Budget 27 Increases Costs for Dublin Pubs, LVA Says

The Licensed Vintners Association stated that Budget 27 provides no relief for pubs in Dublin or other urban areas, citing a higher cost of doing business. The association noted that the government did not move to reduce alcohol excise duty, which remains one of the highest in Europe, nor did it address the high cost of Special Exemption Orders for late bars and nightclubs. The LVA reported that extended openings fell by 950 nights last year, compared to 23% more late openings in 2018.

The LVA believes the increase in the minimum wage, which is significantly above inflation, will place meaningful cost pressure on pubs across Ireland. The association warned that this will have ongoing ramifications for the hospitality sector, noting that the lack of excise duty reduction exacerbates the financial burden.