Interesting point, PL, I didn't realise that. In a way, it's a great shame - the end of an era, even. The smaller, outlying pubs are disappearing in the UK too, faster than in Ireland I think, but that seems to be more to do with prices, regulations, and of course the smoking ban, being the last twist of the knife. All of which seems to be suiting the brewers and distillers, who are selling more booze than ever. If people are going to be irresponsible with alcohol though, I'd rather they did it at home than inflict it on the rest of us. Unfortunately that could lead to, or exacerbate, another set of problems of a more personal/domestic than social nature. In principle I don't believe in banning anything, but alcohol should be treated with a great deal more respect than we are generally conditioned to give it.