“We’re not looking for sympathy, we’re looking for fairness,”
Hannah’s/griffins bar Bar in Skenakilla Cross has shared their frustration at the announcement, highlighting the pressures on small, local pubs already navigating rising costs and tight margins.
Independent pubs in Mallow, North Cork and across Ireland are feeling the squeeze after Diageo confirmed another increase in the price of its pints, set to take effect on 2 February.
“Waking up to this email was absolutely shattering. Another price increase, another hit to pubs already hanging on by a thread… Energy, insurance, compliance, staffing, and now another increase from companies posting massive profits year after year. It feels like we’re being punished for simply keeping our doors open,” the bar wrote on social media.
The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) has also criticised the move, warning that pubs may have little choice but to pass the extra cost onto customers. This is the fifth increase from Diageo in three years, affecting pubs in Mallow and the wider district.
Despite these challenges, Hannah/Griffin’s Bar is turning its attention to the community by hosting a free post-Christmas party on Saturday, January 17th to thank local hospitality staff for their hard work over the festive season. The evening promises a night for the crew who kept Christmas going, with music from J90, party vibes all night, complimentary finger food, and a social car service available for pick-ups and drop-offs. The bar encourages all hospitality workers who went above and beyond during the busy season to come unwind, relax, and enjoy music, food, and festive cheer.
