Claremorris: Conor O’Keeffe of The Ranch pub has announced a €5 pint of Guinness amid rising costs, challenging the trend of price hikes and expressing concerns over the impact on small pubs and Irish culture, while calling for government intervention to save local businesses.
In the face of rising costs that have seen the price of a pint of Guinness soar to over €6 in many establishments and exceeding €7 in Dublin, one publican is making headlines by defying the trend. Conor O’Keeffe, owner of The Ranch pub in Claremorris, County Mayo, has announced that he will offer pints of Guinness at the price of €5, a move he describes as a stand against the relentless price hikes impacting the pub industry.
Speaking to The Irish Sun, O’Keeffe shared his concerns regarding the mounting expenses that threaten to close small pubs across Ireland. He noted that he received four separate notifications within a short span regarding price increases from various suppliers, including Diageo, Heineken, and Richmond Marketing, which supplies spirits. The ongoing trend of pub and restaurant closures, he pointed out, is reaching alarming levels, with many establishments shuttering across the country weekly.
In his remarks, O’Keeffe made it clear that while he is committed to serving his customers, the business environment is increasingly challenging. “I’m not going to say we are the cheapest pint,” he noted, recognising that there may be other venues in more rural areas that sell pints at lower prices. However, in the context of a larger town, The Ranch likely represents one of the more affordable options.
The situation is compounded by a recent announcement from Diageo, which detailed a price increase of six per cent on multiple beverages, including Guinness, effective before VAT is applied. O’Keeffe lamented the slim profit margins for pints, stating, “There’s hardly any margin on pints, as it is.” He expressed concern over the disparity in the ability of multinational companies to withstand these price increments compared to smaller businesses like his.
O’Keeffe conveyed his frustration with the government’s inaction, fearing that without timely intervention, many more businesses will be lost. “I can guarantee you, there’ll be another 10 per cent of businesses closed. It’s just too late for a lot of them,” he remarked.
He also highlighted the broader implications of the declining number of pubs, noting that the vibrant atmosphere of socialising in public houses, a cornerstone of Irish culture, is at risk. “It’s our culture. Irish people around the world are known for our social habits, going to the pub, having a pint, having a bit of crack. That is slowly dying,” he stated.
O’Keeffe pointed out the staggering decline in the number of pubs in Claremorris, which has dropped from 28 to just seven in recent years, reflecting a wider trend across towns in Ireland. “It’s not sustainable,” he added, talking about the challenges posed by rising living costs and the struggle to maintain profitability amidst price hikes.
Despite these hurdles, O’Keeffe remains committed to his community, expressing pride in The Ranch’s involvement with local sports clubs. He noted that although the pub is often quiet, customers have appreciated the affordable price of the Guinness, and he views this initiative as a small gesture of goodwill during tough economic times.
With such challenges evident across the sector, O’Keeffe’s decision to keep prices low demonstrates the ongoing struggle to balance operational sustainability with community engagement in an evolving economic landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services
