Pub bosses have called for a price cap on rocketing gas and electricity bills for the sector which is facing the "bleakest winter."
The Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) also demanded subsidies for the industry to help publicans keep their doors open in coming weeks amid the crippling energy crisis.
The VFI, which represents 4,000 pubs outside the Greater Dublin area, said the government "needs to act now" if it wants to keep a viable hospitality sector.
