Latest news with #DrinksIndustryGroup
BreakingNews.ie
14-07-2025
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Concerns EU-US trade war could affect tourist visitors to Irish pubs
Concerns have been raised that an EU-US trade war could add to the decline in pubs in Ireland by affecting US tourist numbers. The industry has warned that Irish consumers could also be more cautious about discretionary spending in pubs if the economy takes a hit due to mooted US tariffs of 30 per cent. Advertisement A study released by a lobby group indicates that one in four pubs in Ireland have closed in the past 20 years. This is because of a combination of factors including lifestyle changes and an increase in operating costs. Although Ireland remains 'extremely densely pubbed', with around 6,200 premises across the country, the 'slow, steady, inexorable' decline is expected to continue, an industry representative said. Donall O'Keeffe, secretary of the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland and chief executive of the Licensed Vintners Association, said 'a huge amount of challenges' were 'landing simultaneously' for Irish pubs. Advertisement 'The sector is genuinely under pressure and the proof positive is the closures,' he told the PA news agency. A report published on Monday indicates that 2,119 closed their doors since 2005, and a further 600 to 1,000 are expected to close over the next decade. The report was compiled by Associate Professor Emeritus at DCU, economist Anthony Foley, on behalf of the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (Digi). Mr Foley said there was a particular pattern of pub closures across rural Ireland, but all 26 counties have experienced declines in pub numbers from 2005 to 2024. Advertisement The highest falls were in counties Limerick (-37 per cent), Offaly (-34 per cent) Cork (-33 per cent), Roscommon (-32 per cent), Tipperary (-32 per cent), Laois (-31 per cent), Longford (-30 per cent) and Westmeath (-30 per cent). The lowest decrease was in Dublin with a drop of -1.7 per cent, followed by Meath with a decrease of -9.5 per cent. The trend of pub closures was accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns when operations were restricted or prevented, Mr O'Keeffe said. Since then, there has been a series of 'extraordinary and incessant' cost increases for food, drink, electricity, insurance and labour. Advertisement Added to the changes that have contributed to less drinking in pubs are a clamp down on drink driving, work pressures and commuting times meaning people get up earlier in the morning, and lifestyle changes. The average Irish person's alcohol consumption has dropped by a third since 2001 and figures suggest alcohol consumption in Ireland may now be in line with the European average. He added: 'Lifestyles are changing fast, and the next generation are certainly consuming much less alcohol than previous generations. 'The pub is still part of their social repertoire. They go to a pub for events, particularly, whether it's before or after a match or a concert or an office party or 21st or 30th, so pubs fit in their social lives, but certainly not with the same frequency as previous generations.' Advertisement Mr O'Keeffe said the cost of doing business was one factor in the closure of pubs and called on excise to be cut by 10% in the upcoming budget. 'In simple terms, in round figures, 30 per cent of the price of every drink that's sold goes on tax to the Government. 'Changes in lifestyle and costs of energy and some other costs are outside of the scope of the government control, but excise is certainly within the Government's gift to control, and we're calling on the Government to cut excise by 10% in the budget in October to aid the viability of these businesses, to give them a better chance of staying open.' He also said in the context of US President Donald Trump's threat of a 30 per cent tariff on EU goods, boosting the local pubs trade will help with the Irish drinks industry. 'By cutting excise, you help pubs keep their doors open, and we obviously buy lots of products from local craft brewers, local distillers, and they'll need domestic sales more,' he said. 'It's going to be a nightmare environment if tariffs end up at 30 per cent so supporting the domestic economy becomes really important.' He said that if that 30 per cent tariff were to be enforced from August 1st, it may cause both Irish consumers and US tourists to become more cautious, which would impact on pubs decline even further. 'You would worry about discretionary spending if consumer confidence takes a heavy hit,' he said. 'If there's a trade war between the EU and US, what'll that do to American tourists' willingness to travel to Ireland? 'So we would be concerned that US tourist numbers could be hit in that context. 'We don't have any clarity on next year's tourist performance, but you would be worried about it, for sure.'
Irish Times
23-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Ireland is becoming a country of moderate drinkers and voracious cocaine users
A major generational shift has occurred in Irish society without much fanfare. Alcohol consumption in Ireland has collapsed. A report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland published this month showed the average alcohol consumption per adult in Ireland fell 4.5 per cent in 2024 compared with 2023. The story over the course of two decades is much more profound. Since 2001, alcohol consumption per adult in Ireland fell by 34.3 per cent. Today, people in Ireland are drinking at average European levels (a good argument for reducing excise taxes). The Health Research Board 's 2024 report on alcohol showed Ireland is no longer a high alcohol consumption country by European Union or OECD standards. This is a remarkable shift, great news for public health and will have a positive knock-on effect for decades to come. The reasons suggested for this can come off as anecdotal or vague, but like any behavioural shift, there tend to be multiple factors at once. What we do know is that this is a trend led by younger generations, who are less likely to reach for the bottle compared with their older siblings and parents. The data consistently show this. A report by Red C in April – part of broader polling across 39 countries – showed that 21 per cent of 18- to 24-year olds drink often, compared with 31 per cent of all adults, and 48 per cent of older men. READ MORE Under-25s are more health conscious and therefore more mindful of the damage alcohol and hangovers cause to the body and mind. Alcohol is also as expensive as it has ever been in Ireland. Student life has changed due to the housing and rental crisis, with fewer students living independently as Ireland has regressed to a context more like to the early 20th century, with people living with their parents well into adulthood. Those in their teens and 20s are also more attuned to their mental and emotional wellbeing, and less likely than Generation X adults to hit the bottle to dissociate under the guise of 'relaxing' or reducing stress. There is less peer pressure among younger people to drink compared with the social culture older generations fostered within their peer groups, and less judgment around sobriety. The trend of alcohol-free months can also reduce people's consumption in the short and medium term, and sometimes embed lifelong moderation. Ultimately, younger people are more grown up and responsible when it comes to alcohol. For all the progress made around alcohol, there is a major youth public-health issue regarding cocaine use. This is not being addressed in anything approaching something effective All of this speaks to a sense of maturity, confidence and capacity to be grounded enough and able to exert at least some kind of self-control that was absent among older generations. What has also been happening is that more people are using therapy and other resources to address their mental health needs. According to the most recent St Patrick's Mental Health Stigma and Attitudes Survey, in 2024, 66 per cent of people who were experiencing mental health difficulties sought treatment, an increase of 10 per cent from 2023. A movement from self-medicating to self-care is a sign of collective emotional growth. It demonstrates a capacity for self-reflection and self-examination, as well as a reduction in stigma around seeking help for mental health challenges. But there is something else happening alongside the decline in alcohol consumption, and that's the rise in cocaine use. A 2023 United Nations report showed that Ireland is, remarkably, the joint-fourth highest consumer of cocaine globally. [ Cocaine cited as main drug in almost two-fifths of cases needing treatment Opens in new window ] Demographically, this is a younger person's issue. Among 15 to 34-year-olds, Ireland has the distinction of being home to the biggest consumers of cocaine in Europe. In 2024, the median age for those seeking treatment for powder cocaine use was 32 years old. Thirty-nine per cent were in employment, compared with 7 per cent of crack cocaine users in treatment. Heroin and opioid users in treatment skew older, with an average age of 45, in tune with the 'greying' of heroin and opioid users in Ireland, which has been the case for some time. In 2024, there were more people treated for problem drug use in Ireland than ever before, according to the Health Research Board . Cocaine was the most common drug used by those in treatment, up 7 per cent from 2023. Since 2017, there has been a 426 per cent increase in women receiving cocaine treatment. Figures for 2023 for people contacting the Health Service Executive 's drug and alcohol helpline also showed a record increase. Twenty-one per cent of calls were related to cocaine. In 2009, cocaine was mentioned by 2 per cent of callers. This is a huge jump. For all the progress made around alcohol, there is a major youth public-health issue regarding cocaine use. This is not being addressed in anything approaching an effective way. It demands and requires a non-judgmental public-health response, and education and awareness, all of which appears to be lacking relative to the level of consumption in Ireland. We are in a situation where there are signs that one public-health issue – excessive alcohol consumption – is being at least partly replaced by another. If we have the stats, where's the action?
Irish Times
21-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
We're drinking less and generally more health conscious. So why is cocaine use increasing?
A major generational shift has occurred in Irish society without much fanfare. Alcohol consumption in Ireland has collapsed. A report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland published this month showed the average alcohol consumption per adult in Ireland fell 4.5 per cent in 2024 compared with 2023. The story over the course of two decades is much more profound. Since 2001, alcohol consumption per adult in Ireland fell by 34.3 per cent. Today, people in Ireland are drinking at average European levels (a good argument for reducing excise taxes). The Health Research Board 's 2024 report on alcohol showed Ireland is no longer a high alcohol consumption country by European Union or OECD standards. This is a remarkable shift, great news for public health, and will have a positive knock-on effect for decades to come. The reasons suggested for this can come off as anecdotal or vague, but like any behavioural shift, there tends to be multiple factors at once. What we do know is that this is a trend led by younger generations, who are less likely to reach for the bottle compared with their older siblings and parents. The data consistently show this. A report by Red C in April – part of broader polling across 39 countries – showed that 21 per cent of 18- to 24-year olds drink often, compared with 31 per cent of all adults, and 48 per cent of older men. READ MORE Younger people are more health conscious and therefore more mindful of the damage alcohol and hangovers cause to the body and mind. Alcohol is also as expensive as it has ever been in Ireland. Student life has changed due to the housing and rental crisis, with fewer younger people living independently as Ireland has regressed to a context more akin to the early 20th century, with people living with their parents well into adulthood. Younger people are also more attuned to their mental and emotional wellbeing, and less likely than Generation X adults to hit the bottle to dissociate under the guise of 'relaxing' or reducing stress. There is less peer pressure among younger people to drink compared with the social culture older generations fostered within their peer groups, and less judgment around sobriety. The trend of alcohol-free months can also reduce people's consumption in the short and medium term, and sometimes embed lifelong moderation. Ultimately, younger people are more grown up and responsible when it comes to alcohol. For all the progress made around alcohol, there is a major youth public-health issue regarding cocaine use. This is not being addressed in anything approaching something effective All of this speaks to a sense of maturity, confidence and capacity to be grounded enough and able to exert at least some kind of self-control that was absent among older generations. What has been happening concurrently is that more people are using therapy and other resources to address their mental health needs. According to the most recent St Patrick's Mental Health Stigma and Attitudes Survey, in 2024, 66 per cent of people who were experiencing mental health difficulties sought treatment, an increase of 10 per cent from 2023. A movement from self-medicating to self-care is a sign of collective emotional growth. It demonstrates a capacity for self-reflection and self-examination, as well as a reduction in stigma around seeking help for mental health challenges. But there is something else happening alongside the decline in alcohol consumption, and that's the rise in cocaine use. A 2023 United Nations report showed that Ireland is, remarkably, the joint-fourth highest consumer of cocaine globally. [ Cocaine cited as main drug in almost two-fifths of cases needing treatment Opens in new window ] Demographically, this is a younger person's issue. Among 15 to 34-year-olds, Ireland has the distinction of being home to the biggest consumers of cocaine in Europe. In 2024, the median age for those seeking treatment for powder cocaine use was 32 years old. Thirty-nine per cent were in employment, compared with 7 per cent of crack cocaine users in treatment. Heroin and opioid users in treatment skew older, with an average age of 45, in tune with the 'greying' of heroin and opioid users in Ireland, which has been the case for some time. In 2024, there were more people treated for problem drug use in Ireland than ever before, according to the Health Research Board . Cocaine was the most common drug used by those in treatment, up 7 per cent from 2023. Since 2017, there has been a 426 per cent increase in women receiving cocaine treatment. Figures for 2023 for people contacting the Health Service Executive 's drug and alcohol helpline also showed record numbers. Twenty-one per cent of calls were related to cocaine. In 2009, cocaine was mentioned by 2 per cent of callers. This is a huge jump. For all the progress made around alcohol, there is a major youth public-health issue regarding cocaine use. This is not being addressed in anything approaching something effective. It demands and requires a non-judgmental public-health response, and education and awareness, all of which appears to be lacking relative to the level of consumption in Ireland. We are in a situation where there are signs that one public-health issue – excessive alcohol consumption – is being at least partly replaced by another. If we have the stats, where's the action?
BreakingNews.ie
09-06-2025
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Alcohol consumption by Irish adults falls by almost 5% in a year
The level of alcohol consumption by Irish adults has fallen by almost 5 per cent in the last year. The latest data has been described as consistent with a downward trend recorded over the last 25 years. Advertisement A new report by economist Anthony Foley found the average alcohol consumption per adult fell by 4.5 per cent last year to 9.49 litres of pure alcohol. This is a drop of more than one-third (34.3 per cent) since 2001. Total consumption in Ireland fell by 2.4 per cent last year to 41.5 million litres, which equates to an overall 4.5 per cent drop in alcohol intake per person when last year's 2.3 per cent increase in the population is taken into account. The report indicates that consumption tastes are also evolving. Advertisement Beer was the Ireland's most popular alcohol last year, with its market share increasing to 43.3 per cent despite an overall drop in beer consumption. Wine was the second-most popular drink, increasing its market share to 28.2 per cent in 2024. Its popularity has increased significantly since 2000 (13.2 per cent). Meanwhile, spirits fell to 22.3 per cent and cider fell to 6.1 per cent. The report was commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (Digi), which said the figures demonstrated that Irish people are increasingly drinking alcohol in moderation. Advertisement It follows other recent data which suggests that alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at average European levels. OECD data for 2022 revealed that Irish consumption ranks behind countries including France, Spain and Austria, and a separate report by the Health Research Board last year also indicated that Ireland's alcohol consumption was at average levels by EU or OECD standards. Donall O'Keefe, the secretary of Digi and chief executive of the Licensed Vintners Association, said the findings are reflective of a trend over the last 25 years. He has also called on Government to cut excise rates. Advertisement 'Today's figures offer clear proof of what many of us already know – Irish people are increasingly drinking in a restrained manner, with consumption continuing the downward trajectory that has been recorded since the millennium,' he said. 'In contrast to the negative stereotypes that once existed, alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at average European levels, with the purchase of non-alcoholic drinks continuing to increase. 'This downward trend also raises the obvious question as to why Ireland continues to have the second-highest excise rates on alcohol in Europe. 'Given that we now consume alcohol at average European levels it makes sense that we should pay excise at average European levels also. Advertisement 'This is particularly true following the introduction of minimum unit pricing which prevents the sale of strong alcohol at low prices in supermarkets and shops. 'Across Ireland, hundreds of small rural pubs and restaurants are struggling for survival due to repeated increases in the cost of doing businesses, including staff, energy and insurance. 'A cut in excise would offer these businesses an opportunity to continue acting as vital hubs in their communities, as well as a crucial part of our tourism product.' 'Digi will be seeking a 10 per cent cut in excise in this year's budget as an urgent measure to give these businesses a fighting chance of survival.' The Digi report was compiled by Prof Foley, associate professor emeritus at Dublin City University, using data from the CSO population and migration estimates for April 2024 and the Revenue Commissioners' alcohol clearances data.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alcohol consumption in Ireland falls by almost 5% in a year
Alcohol consumption among adults in Ireland has fallen by almost 5 per cent in the last year, new figures show. A report by economist Anthony Foley found that average alcohol consumption per adult fell by 4.5 per cent last year, to 9.49 litres of pure alcohol. The data is consistent with a downward trend recorded over the last 25 years. The fall represents a drop of more than one-third (34.3 per cent) since 2001. Total consumption in Ireland fell by 2.4 per cent last year to 41.5 million litres, which equates to an overall 4.5 per cent drop in alcohol intake per person when last year's 2.3 per cent increase in the population is taken into account. The report indicates that consumption tastes are also evolving. Beer was Ireland's most popular alcohol last year, with its market share increasing by 0.4% to 43.3% despite an overall drop in beer consumption. Wine was the second-most popular drink, increasing its market share by 0.1% to 28.2% in 2024. Its popularity has increased significantly since 2000 (13.2%). Meanwhile, spirits fell by 0.4% to 22.3% and cider fell by 0.1% to 6.1%. The report was commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (Digi), which said the figures demonstrated that Irish people are increasingly drinking alcohol in moderation. It follows other recent data which suggests that alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at average European levels. OECD data for 2022 revealed that Irish consumption ranks behind countries including France, Spain and Austria, and a separate report by the Health Research Board last year also indicated that Ireland's alcohol consumption was at average levels by EU or OECD standards. Donall O'Keefe, the secretary of Digi and chief executive of the Licensed Vintners Association, said the findings are reflective of a trend over the last 25 years. He has also called on Government to cut excise rates. 'Today's figures offer clear proof of what many of us already know – Irish people are increasingly drinking in a restrained manner, with consumption continuing the downward trajectory that has been recorded since the millennium,' he said. 'In contrast to the negative stereotypes that once existed, alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at average European levels, with the purchase of non-alcoholic drinks continuing to increase. 'This downward trend also raises the obvious question as to why Ireland continues to have the second-highest excise rates on alcohol in Europe. 'Given that we now consume alcohol at average European levels it makes sense that we should pay excise at average European levels also. 'This is particularly true following the introduction of minimum unit pricing which prevents the sale of strong alcohol at low prices in supermarkets and shops. 'Across Ireland, hundreds of small rural pubs and restaurants are struggling for survival due to repeated increases in the cost of doing businesses, including staff, energy and insurance. 'A cut in excise would offer these businesses an opportunity to continue acting as vital hubs in their communities, as well as a crucial part of our tourism product.' 'Digi will be seeking a 10% cut in excise in this year's budget as an urgent measure to give these businesses a fighting chance of survival.' The Digi report was compiled by Prof Foley, associate professor emeritus at Dublin City University, using data from the CSO population and migration estimates for April 2024 and the Revenue Commissioners' alcohol clearances data.
