Pubs are thn eh of rural communities and not just a place to drink alcohol
Colm Redmond’s words in Saturday edition of the Irish Independent struck a chord: “It’s only when the pub leaves the village – the show is over.”
I couldn’t agree more. That’s why I was so disheartened to read some of the recent negative comments about pubs.Publicans have been demonised in some quarters for years, portrayed as being “greedy” and, in some cases, irresponsible.
It’s easy to forget the role the local pub plays in rural life. It is not just a place to buy alcohol – if it was they would have closed years ago due to prices. It is a place to meet and socialise, to interact and have a bit of craic.
How many pubs do you know where there is a jukebox in one corner, people playing pool at the back, men sitting at a counter conversing?
The pub is a hub for human interaction, not just drink.
It’s easy to forget the involvement the local pub has in the community. Pubs support local clubs and groups, they offer employment and they support other businesses by purchasing stock or promoting their services.
They support local music and other entertainers. They support the local parade and community events – all of which would suffer if they were closed indefinitely. Why are publicans labelled irresponsible or criticised for selling alcohol? Publicans are licensed, they follow rules and regulations.
The Government promised to revitalise rural Ireland, but businesses are still closing. Why? Rising costs and lack of public transport are to blame. There is no Luas in Co Laois or a 24-hour bus to bring people in – and getting people home safely is another story. In my home town, we badly need a taxi service and a more regular bus service. People in rural Ireland deserve good transport too.
So is the publican “greedy” for upping the price of a pint? No, I think not.
Julie Bennett Mountrath, Co Laois