Mayo TD says “a pint in a pub is a healthier pint" as urgent action is needed

Aontú TD for Mayo Paul Lawless has warned that the collapse of Ireland’s rural pub trade is accelerating, and urgent Government action is needed before hundreds more pubs shut their doors for good. 

Deputy Lawless highlighted new figures showing that 135 pubs in Mayo have closed since 2005, part of a national trend that has seen over 2100 closures across the country. With rural counties the worst affected, he said these closures are “hammering local communities and stripping away the social fabric of rural life.”

The pub sector is constantly being hit and with the cost of business rising there is no reprieve for business owners. Lawless highlighted the rate of excise duty. 

READ MORE: Research shows 135 fewer pubs in Mayo since 2005

“One third of the price of a pint goes straight to the State through excise duty, and we have the second-highest alcohol excise in Europe. That’s not sustainable for family-run rural pubs. These closures are devastating towns and villages across the country.”

“Another major issue facing publicans is getting their customers home safely. I know many publicans who have to drive patrons home after a long shift in the bar simply because there is no other way to get them home. There simply aren’t enough taxis. Many taxis finish their shift during daylight hours, leaving no cover on busy weekend nights. We want to see a relaxation of the regulations to allow Uber to operate at times and in locations where taxis aren’t available.”

Lawless stated Aontú’s support for the VFI’s proposal for a 40 percent excise rebate for rural pubs and DIGI’s 10 percent overall cut in alcohol excise in budget 2026. 

“The VFI is seeking a modest, reasonable reduction in excise duty to help keep pubs afloat. The Government needs to sit down and actually listen to their ideas. Local pubs need to be supported if we want to stop the gradual hollowing out of rural Ireland.”