Mayo TD calls for excise duty reduction to save rural pubs

MAYO Aontú TD Paul Lawless has called on the government to urgently reduce excise duty on alcohol served in pubs, warning that Ireland’s rural pubs are being taxed out of existence.

Deputy Lawless brought this to the floor of the Dáil and described how the local pub plays a pivotal role in rural life.

“A pint in a pub is a healthier pint,” he said. “There is a social dimension and, crucially, there is a referee.

“Government policy over recent years has hurt rural pubs. An average of 150 pubs are closing every year. Over the last 20 years, 2,000 pubs have shut their doors for good.”

Deputy Lawless highlighted that a third of the price of a pint goes toward excise duty, making Ireland the second-highest excise-taxed country in Europe when it comes to alcohol.

“This is hammering rural pubs. These aren’t just local businesses - they are the heart of our communities. They’re where fundraisers are organised, where neighbours meet, and where people look out for each other.”

He shared a personal example of one rural publican who quietly supported a local bachelor for years by dispensing his eye drops. “That’s what the rural pub in Ireland is,” he said. “It’s part of our social fabric.”

The Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) is seeking a modest 40% rebate on excise duty for alcohol served on licensed premises, a move Deputy Lawless fully supports.

“This isn’t about encouraging excessive drinking, it’s about saving the safe, social spaces where responsible drinking happens under supervision and within community bounds. It’s about protecting rural life.”

Deputy Lawless called on the Taoiseach to meet directly with the VFI and engage constructively on their proposals.

“We need to reduce the cost of excise duty to protect rural pubs. This is a chance to support small businesses, strengthen community bonds, and keep rural Ireland alive.”