Fears over pub trade after closures

Fears have been expressed about the future of the Athlone pub trade this week after a number of recent high profile closures and widespread speculation that others are set to follow over the next few weeks. It comes after the Suede Bar and Venue in Irishtown shut its doors last week, with a notice on its Facebook page last Wednesday stating: "It is with great sadness that Suede Bar will close tomorrow. We would like to sincerely thank all our regular customers and those who supported us over the last year, and our great team of staff." Meanwhile, Carey's on Mardyke Street has been closed in recent weeks but a notice at the premises indicates it will re-open on January 29 after refurbishment, while near neighbours Carty's pub is also currently closed but is up for lease as a going concern. In recent times, a number of high-profile names have exited the local pub scene including the Auld Shebeen, Moate, and Club S in Moate, The Palace and An Céarnog on St Peter's Square and previously Charlie Brown's on the Dublin Road and there are fears there will be many more casualties and leaseholders leaving the trade in next few weeks and months. Paul Donovan from Sean's Bar, the local Vintners' Federation representative, said there is "awful fear" for the future of local pubs with leases being let go and premises closing. "More so than ever this year people are afraid and are not going out. When they are going out it's for an occasion. Previously it might have been two or three times a week but now it's one night a week or when something is on," he commented. He said cheap drink in supermarkets is "killing the pub culture in Ireland" where people are drinking huge amounts of alcohol at home with no controls, something which has been highlighted negatively in recent health reports. Mr Donovan is hopeful that lobbying the government will have an effect on low-cost alcohol trade soon, but he added the pub trade is also a victim of the general economic situation the country finds itself in. "There is no quick cure you have to work your pub as hard as you can," he added, before criticising the high VAT and excise duty on alcohol in this country, currently the highest in Europe. Meanwhile, Cllr Kevin 'Boxer' Moran echoed the concerns for the future of the pub trade and small businesses in Athlone which are the backbone of the local economy. Concerned about the amount of premises up for sale or to let in the Irishtown area, he believes now is the time for the council to take a role considering there has been no work done in the area on footpaths, lighting etc in recent years. "A plan needs to drawn up for that area. We (council) have an active role to play to encourage businesses into the area," he said, adding that the downturn of the pub trade is being affected by the drink driving laws and the high numbers of people socialising at home. "It's all about money. People just find it cheaper to stay at home," he added. "People are afraid to do anything, anyone in business is very worried as people are afraid to spend or invest money. "At the same time, we have to stay positive and we all need help each other to get out of it," Cllr Moran, owner of a taxi company stated, pointing out that high rent is huge problem for local businesses as is rates which he hopes the council will be in a position to reduce next year. "It is worrying, not a day goes by that I don't ask will I be in business tomorrow," he concluded.