IT'S HAPPY HOUR

Rural pubs bounce back... and busier than before pandemic

- KEITH FALKINER

RURAL pubs which faced the death knell during lockdowns are doing more business now than before the pandemic, it is revealed.

Research from the Vintners Federation of Ireland shows the fightback - with three-quarters of bars outside Dublin turning a profit last year.

Its president John Clendennen said: "In 2020, it felt as if our world was coming to an end... we came through the crisis." 

Publicans in high spirits over future

75% say sales back to pré-Covid. Many planning to upgrade premises

ALMOST 75% of publicans outside Dublin say sales are similar or greater than pre-Covid with many expected to upgrade their premises.

A survey showed the majority are confident about the future of their business, despite the rising cost of energy, insurance and other operating expenses.