More than €90,000 an hour was spent in Irish pubs last month, according to new figures from AIB.
Around €30,000 an hour was spent in Dublin’s pubs; although the biggest increase was recorded in Waterford where pub spending jumped 651% on the previous month.
Overall reopening saw a 225% increase in spending on hotels, a 22% increase in restaurant spending and a 304% increase in pub and off-licence spending.
People under the age of 25 saw the biggest increase in pub spending at 404%, while those between 35 and 44-years-old recorded the smallest increase at 239%.
Meanwhile, spending at Irish restaurants has jumped to €288,000 an hour since outdoor dining reopened.
People over the age of 65 recorded the biggest increase – up 61% on May.
“Having partially reopened in June, the hospitality sector saw a surge in spending, albeit from a low base, as consumers flocked to pubs, restaurants and hotels throughout the month,” said AIB Head of SME John Brennan.
“This was a welcome increase in spending for businesses after many months of being closed.
“Society’s support for those in the hospitality sector, as well as all other sectors impacted by COVID-19, will be critical to the recovery of these businesses as we emerge from the pandemic and slowly return to normality.’’
Overall, consumer spending increased by 7% in June as more sectors reopened.
Card usage continued to increase with chip and pin up 14%, contactless up 12% and digital wallet usage up 17%.
The busiest day for spending was June 25th – which coincides with many people’s pay day.
The average hourly spend in pubs and restaurants was based on an 11-hour opening period.
