Vintners Federation fear price hikes will close more rural pubs

The Vintners Federation of Ireland says the latest hike in the price of the pint could sound the death knell for many rural pubs. Diageo is adding seven cent to the price of a pint of its draught products from next month. A report published by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland last year showed a continuing decline in the number of pubs in Ireland. In the North West Region alone over 200 pubs have closed over the past 20 years.  President of the VFI Michael O'Donovan says many pubs have no capacity left to absorb further supplier increases.