Fears of €10 pints becoming the new normal in Dublin as publicans issue warning

The hospitality sector is still reeling after the Government refused to cut the VAT rate in last week’s Budget or provide any help for the struggling sector

The €10 pint could become the new normal in the capital as pubs are forced to dramatically increase prices to stay in business.

Some pubs in Temple Bar are already charging close to a tenner for a pint but such prices could soon be charged in the rest of Dublin city centre.

The hospitality sector is still reeling after the Government refused to cut the VAT rate in last week’s Budget or provide any help for the struggling sector.

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Thousands of pubs have closed their doors in the past few years and vintners organisations fear many more are on the brink of going out of business.

In the past year, at least 600 restaurants and food businesses have closed since the higher VAT rate was returned a year ago.

It is feared up to 1,000 more could go to the wall in the next 12 months with the loss of thousands of jobs. Pubs and restaurants, which have remained in business, are warning that prices will have to go up and this could result in the €10 pint.

Ronan Lynch, owner of the Swan Bar in Aungier Street, South Dublin, said prices could rise dramatically.

He added: "€10 pints will become a regular thing if this Government stays in charge."

Publicans also say the 80c minimum wage increase will also hit the industry.

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