Irish pubs facing last orders with VAT hike hitting price of pints

Bars could close as industry faces 'tipping point'

-  SEAN MURPHY

PUBLICANS have warned bars "could close" as the €2.5billon trade faces a "tipping point" due to pint price hikes and an imminent VAT increase.

Diageo, owner of brands such as Guinness, Carlsberg and Rockshore, announced on July 19 it was introducing a 4c plus VAT price increase from yesterday.

It means a 16c hike and publicans and vintners warned of its damaging effects alongside a VAT increase from 9% to 13.5% and ongoing inflationary costs.

Cork Vintners' Federation of Ireland chairperson Michael O'Donovan fears it could mean the last orders for some pubs