That was the message from the head of the Licensed Vintners Association, Donal O'Keefe, yesterday on Newstalk. The LVA's members are worried that if Michael McDowell goes ahead with his plan to allow for cafe bars that it will only make the "binge drinking" problem worse.
Mr. O'Keefe pointed out that it was illogical to think that adding these "small pubs" to the "12,000" we already have is going to help solve this problem. He may be right. Maybe we need fewer pubs, not more. However, I find it difficult to believe that the pub owners are that worried about the nation's excessive drinking. I just can't put my finger on what their concern might be.
What? You think their objections to cafe bars could have something to do with a fear of competition? That's an unworthy thought.
