It can be difficult, in the public space, standing up for anything associated with the alcohol industry. Nevertheless, there are many things that can be said in favour of the public house as an institution.
There are 750 pubs in our capital city, every one of which plays its role in helping make Dublin a great city in which to live and work. The city and suburban pubs we frequent, their history and traditions, are part of the rich tapestry of Dublin life dating back to the original of the species, the Brazen Head, established in 1198. That history, our proud brewing tradition, along with our natural hospitality and sociability, have all contributed to making the pub a focal point for local communities.
We are inclined perhaps to take our pubs for granted. But it’s worth considering their role. Where indeed would we be without them? Where would we go?
Tourists
The attraction of pub life is a key deciding factor when tourists choose where to take their short city break. The Lonely Planet guide lists the pub as the number one attraction for Dublin. We saw that in practice recently when Dublin pubs featured so prominently on the agenda for delegates attending the Web Summit, and when Michelle Obama and her daughters chose to eat in two Dublin pubs.
The success of the Gathering has boosted tourist figures and this has benefited the local economy enormously, particularly in the city centre, providing much needed employment. Despite appeals not to increase excise duty on alcohol the Government has raised levels in two successive budgets. Ireland has one of the highest excise rates in the EU, alongside high VAT. The list of other Government-driven costs is worryingly long and includes commercial rates, water charges, licence renewals, special exemption orders, food oil and grease licences, even street furniture licences. The early owner of the Brazen Head didn't know how good he had it.
Preoccupied by many business challenges, publicans have perhaps not been particularly involved in the alcohol abuse debate. They do, however, resent being portrayed as the bogeymen in the debate.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Pubs are fun and sociable places to visit, providing a safe and controlled environment and one in which underage people are not served. Many if not most of the serious incidents associated with excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse take place away from that safe and controlled environment.
Off-licences and supermarkets account for 55 per cent of alcohol sales and this figure is set to rise in the medium term. It is clear that young people in particular purchase a much higher percentage of alcohol from the off-trade sector. Publicans therefore welcome the Government’s commitment to introduce minimum pricing for the off-trade and believe it will help tackle the problem of abuse, especially among our young people.
Scene changing
The pub scene is changing dramatically. As a speaker at our Future of the Dublin Pub conference noted, the pub next door is not the publican's main rival – it's Netflix, Facebook, Twitter and on-demand TV. While our pubs will continue to play to their traditional strengths, customers are looking for escape, new experiences and fun. In short, they are redefining the pub and publicans will have to evolve and meet their needs if they wish to be successful.
After five very tough years, all the signs are that publicans are preparing to embrace that challenge. Several new pubs are opening in the city centre as business in the capital stabilises and the outlook for the sector improves.
Many happy occasions will take place in Dublin pubs in the lead-up to Christmas, as friends and families are reunited in a pleasant social setting.
We would urge people to go out, have a good time, drink sensibly, get home safely and call again soon. And remember, your local pub is not just for Christmas!
Donall O'Keefe is chief executive of the Licensed Vintners Association, the representative body for Dublin publicans.