Publicans' profit margins are expected to come under extra pressure from Saturday as the result of a new pay deal. The Mandate trade union has negotiated increases worth 26 per cent in return for bar staff in Dublin and Wicklow agreeing to work longer hours under the new licensing laws.
Mandate members will meet in Liberty Hall today to vote on the new proposals, which will see the hourly rate for bar staff increase from the present £8.20 an hour to £10.35 from Saturday and £10.92 from November 1st.
The increase includes the 1 per cent pay rise due under Partnership 2000 and the first 5.5 per cent due under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.