With the closure in the past ten months of 26 County Clare pubs the future for those involved in the licensed trade in that county like many others is under a cloud - A cloud of doom not a cloud of smoke !

Declan Brandon, chairman of Clare's Licensed Vintners cites two main reasons for the shocking downturn in trade and closures,  the introduction of the smoking ban in the workplace, and measures such as banning children from licensed premises after 9 pm. Bars have reported a 30% reduction in trade with a dramatic downturn in the frequency customers are visiting licensed premises leading to a major drop in sales and turnover. Some bars are simply not viable anymore and even in a major town like Ennis at any one time six pubs have their doors shut.

The closure of 26 bars in County Clare is a reflection of the nation-wide trend since the imposition of the smoking ban for people to stay at home and out of pubs. Mr Brandon is increasingly concerned about further closures. Publicans are struggling with the recent repressive restrictions. Pubs provide an important meeting place for people, especially those in rural and isolated areas where the pub is a focal point of the community. The devastating impact of the smoking ban has put the viability of the pub trade in serious doubt. “Forcing people to huddle outside the door on a wet, cold winter’s night is very off putting for people who want to go out and socialise."

The restriction on children on licensed premises is also biting hard. Mr Brandon points out "This was implemented without any proper justification or need. There are at least 13 coastal counties like Clare who rely on families visiting pubs to sustain their business. Families can’t come into pubs any more at night, but are welcomed into bars in other countries. “The current law is putting families off from holidaying in Ireland. Numerous representations have been made to the Justice Minister, Michael McDowell to get him to reassess this piece of legislation. This ban needs to be abolished totally.”  Mr Brandon favours compromise on the smoking issue and says, .“The provision of smoking rooms in licensed premises is a reasonable and acceptable compromise,”