Some publicans in rural areas across Cork are considering shutting their doors for a fortnight in January as they are struggling with rising costs.
The Vintners Federation of Ireland says hundreds of rural pubs are facing a dire situation this winter as the grapple with sky high energy prices.
The VFI has already appealed for a one-off grant payment to be made to support rural pubs currently excluded from the Government's energy scheme.
Some publicans are already examining the closure of their pubs a couple of days a week as the rising cost of living is leading to less people socialising.
Michael O'Donovan of the VFI in Cork told RedFM News that pubs depend on people's disposal income and as this is being squeezed it has having a knock on effect on the pub trade.
