THE Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) held their annual General Meeting (AGM) in Jackson’s Hotel in Ballybofey on Tuesday followed by a Gala Ball.
The President of the VFI John Clendennen, welcomed delegates to the county and addressed issues facing the pub trade which is going through a changing market.
He spoke of items including insurance costs which he acknowledged were challenging for members.
The Sale of Alcohol Bill is another pressing issue for members where the umbrella group lobbied intensively to ensure the final Bill represented the needs of publicans.
Among the many issues he addessed they included the Business Flood relief Scheme and the temporary Business Energy Support Scheme as well as the government’s Labour Policy and the cost to publicans.
“I do have a concern that the appeal of owning a pub is lessening, with 37 per cent of survey respondents to our recent survey considering retirementin the next two years and 84 per centreporting that no family member wants to inherit the pub – we have a considerable job of work ahead of us to promote the pub as a feasible business option,” Mr Clendennen said.
He added that despite the challenges the industry face, there are many members that are experiencing a level of buoyancy in the trade at present.
“I remain optimistic for the future of the trade, and we as a federation must continue to promote the pub with UNESCO status as one such initiative. I wish you all the very best for the summer months of trading and beyond,” he concluded.
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