Rural publicans are to mount a campaign to change the law to allow them install a limited number of gaming machines in pubs to increase their turnover. Currently, slot machines are not allowed in pubs.
The motion from the Cork branch of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland was the most contentious at the organisation's agm as some publicans were totally opposed to it but it was carried by a substantial majority. It was argued that bookies' shops were serving coffee and would soon be looking for drink licences, and that pubs, especially in rural areas, needed to increase their turnover.
The organisation was mandated to meet the Garda and Government to seek to tighten the law to protect members against antisocial and violent elements in the community.
Jim Power, an economic consultant, told the 200 delegates that the State had made a major contribution to inflation through higher service charges, higher administration costs and higher indirect taxes. "In areas like electricity, postal charges, local authority charges, natural gas, health, health insurance and education, the rate of price increase since 2000 has been well ahead of the rate of the overall inflation," he said.
He warned that publicans would need to control their running costs and said that those looking to remain in business should seek to diversify into food and other services to increase their turnover.