Calling time on local pub industry
Northern Ireland's pub industry is in crisis with up to two bars closing every week in the Province and many publicans struggling to survive, a major report on the sector has revealed.
The report by Licensed & Catering News highlights the plight of a struggling industry that employs more than 35,000 people and contributes an estimated 1 billion a year to the local economy.
The LCN Pubs report uncovers a number of issues that are putting Northern Ireland's pubs at risk including:
n Membership of trade organisation Pubs of Ulster (formerly the Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade) is declining, as one or two publicans a week close their doors
n Some publicans are struggling to survive and a number of premises have been forced to close their doors, or have called in the administrators
n The number of ‘distress sales’ has also trebled in the last nine months
n The pub trade has been hit by pressures of the general economic climate which has impacted on the consumer purse, making a visit to the pub seem ‘less attractive’
n The impact of the major supermarkets selling below cost alcohol is taking its toll on Northern Ireland’s pubs
n Increasing overheads, including the rising levels of rates, and increased prices from suppliers are also impacting pubs across the province.
n The introduction of the smoking ban in April 2007 has had a large impact on Northern Ireland pubs
The LCN Pubs Report also reveals that some publicans believe the worst is yet to come – with several industry figures saying they believe it will be 2015 before trade is back on track.
In addition to the latest industry statistics, the report includes commentary from a selection of leading Northern Ireland publicans. Stephen Magorrian of Botanic Inns and Bill Wolsey of Beannchor – owners of Belfast’s Merchant Hotel and 38 pubs in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland are among those who give an opinion on the future of the industry. Commercial property expert John Martin from Osborne King also gives an insight into sales and valuations of licensed premises.
Backed up by the latest independent industry figures, the LCN Pubs Report discusses the need for urgent action on the issue of minimum pricing, with regard to the selling of alcohol below cost in supermarkets. Including commentary from Pubs of Ulster chief executive, Colin O’Neill, as well as leading national retailers such as Sainsburys and ASDA, it earmarks minimum pricing as a critical issue for Northern Ireland’s pubs, who cannot compete with the tactical loss leaders offered by major multiple retailers.
Despite highlighting the difficulties facing the licensing trade, the LCN Pubs Report remains optimistic about the long-term future of the industry and states that although there will be fewer pubs in the future, the remaining pubs will be of a higher standard and have a wider range of offerings. Experts reveal that opportunities still exist for those who have good industry experience, are willing to go that ‘extra mile’ to engage with their customers and invest in a high quality food offering.
Commenting on the launch of the report, Bill Penton, publisher of LCN said: “Licensed & Catering News has been the preferred read for the licensed trade for 70 years. The exclusive LCN Pubs Report aims to investigate the true state of the pub industry, and the challenges that are putting the future of our nation’s pubs at risk.”
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Weather for Belfast
Wednesday 30 May 2012
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