The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented changes to our daily lives, and nowhere is this more evident than in the hospitality industry. In County Clare, pubs have been an integral part of the community for generations, but the seismic shift in post-pandemic behavior has led to the closure of many beloved establishments. As we navigate the new normal, Clare FM explores the impact of these closures and what the future holds for the pub culture in Clare.
Clare publicans are concerned that post-pandemic changes in socializing could lead to the closure of many businesses.
New data indicates that alcohol consumption has decreased since the COVID-19 pandemic, with provisional data from Revenue revealing a sharp decline in alcohol consumption in Ireland, which is approaching European averages.
Compared to 2019, overall alcohol consumption dropped by over 5%, beer consumption decreased by 3%, wine consumption decreased by almost 3%, and cider consumption decreased by 12%. However, sales of spirits increased.
The Chair of Clare VFI, Charlie O’Meara, believes that society’s shift toward uncontrolled home drinking post-pandemic is behind this change. He believes many people are drinking irresponsibly at home. One Ennis publican, Daragh McAllister, believes that this trend will result in long-term consequences for the traditional trade, as rising costs are already making it hard for local businesses to remain profitable. You can listen to an interview with both Charlie O’Meara and Daragh McAllister below.
In conclusion, the seismic shift in post-pandemic behaviour has brought about a sudden closure of several pubs in Clare. It’s evident that the pandemic has had far-reaching consequences on the social fabric of our communities, and the local pub culture is no exception. While it’s saddening to see the closure of these cherished establishments, it’s a reminder of the importance of adapting to change and embracing new ways of doing things. We hope that the local pub industry can recover from these difficult times and continue to be an essential part of Clare’s cultural heritage.
