Retail sales in the bar sector fell substantially in July, according to figures released today by the Central Statistics Office.
The figures show the value of sales in bars was down 5.3 per cent while the volume of sales was down 6.4 per cent.
However experts played down suggestions that the decline could be blamed on the introduction of the smoking ban insisting instead the decline in sales predated the prohibition.
The CSO said the volume of retail sales rose by 1.2 per cent in July compared to the same period in 2003.
Compared to June the volume of sales fell by 2.4 per cent. The CSO said if motor trades are excluded the annual increase was 1.9 per cent and the monthly change was a 2.5 per cent decrease.
The value of retail sales increased by 2.7 per cent in July compared to the same period last year and decreased by 2.5 per cent month on month.
But if motor trades are excluded, the annual increase was 2.5 per cent and the monthly change was a 2.5 per cent fall.
The CSO said the largest increase in the volume of sales was in the Hardware, Paints & Glass sectors, which rose by 6.7 per cent.