More than 300 publicans set for VFI conference in Limerick
Annual Vintners meeting to take place in the city for first time in over 20 years
MORE than 300 publicans will descend on Limerick in May for a two-day conference focused on the challenges in their industry.
The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) Limerick branch has won the right to hold the body’s annual delegate conference in the city for the first time in over 20 years.
The Strand Hotel will play host to the meeting between Monday, May 12 and Wednesday, May 14.
“It’s going to bring a national focus to Limerick,” said Ger Callanan, the public relations officer of VFI in Limerick.
Ger, who runs The Glen Tavern at Lower Glentworth Street in the city centre, said there will be many things on the agenda.
“There are challenges nationally. Especially at the moment with the proliferation of businesses which are closing, the increased VAT rate, the minimum wage rise, mandatory sick days, and auto sign on for pensions coming. These are small things which can really affect businesses,” he said.
There’s a need to support pub owners more from the Government’s point of view, he added.
“We are one of the biggest Irish employers outside the multi-national sector. But we are getting hammered. We need to increase our wages and improve our conditions as we want this to be a quality industry where people want to stay and work. But they need to help us instead of throwing extra costs which makes it harder to keep staff in the industry and keep businesses afloat,” he said.
On top of the conference, there will be plenty of fringe activities.
Among these will be tours of west Limerick, golfing, a traditional Irish music event and a poker night.
A gala dinner at The Strand Hotel will also be used to showcase Limerick producers.
Ger praised Mary Cronin, the county Limerick representative of the VFI and JJ Mulcahy of the Old Quarter Bar and Townhouse for their efforts in bringing the conference to Limerick.
Meanwhile, Eamonn O’Rahilly of the Spotted Dog bar in Janesboro has been re-elected VFI branch chairman for a second year at its annual general meeting.