Limerick publican on the 'biggest trend' he's seen in 15 years running city pub
Limerick publican Jack Costello explains the changes he’s seen in the pub business over the years at the Locke Bar in the city
Jack Costello, the publican behind the family-run Locke Bar in Limerick, has spent 15 years in the pub business where he’s seen many trends change.
He said: “The biggest trend at the moment is the movement to low and no alcohol.
“There's also been a big movement even when the weather's not good. It's probably one good thing that came out of Covid, people are enjoying sitting outside a bit more and eating and drinking outside a bit more.”
Jack doesn’t see the things he loves about the business changing.
“I like meeting people, serving people, seeing people enjoy their experience here.
“There’s not much to dislike about it, it's hard enough work but I do enjoy it.”
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment was told last month that 2,200 pubs across Ireland have closed since 2005. The rate of closure in recent years sees around 128 pubs shut their doors each year in Ireland.
The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) also told the committee that publicans have experienced significant increases in key operating costs over the past five years, including electricity costs rising by 70%, wages by 40%, and water tariffs increasing by 30% in 2024 followed by a further 10% increase in 2025.
Jack sees the pub business having to grow further to entice customers as young people are getting more interested in fitness and wellbeing as well as the increased cost of living.
“Pubs will be trying to elevate experiences of the customer to try to kind of get that business for when people are out because they're out that bit less.”