So it seems sales of Guiness are down 6 percent in Ireland. According to this article the CEO of company that owns the brewer attributes the drop in sales to males in their key 21 – 25 year old demographic saving up their money to buy iPods.
The tech and gadget press seem a bit eager to jump on exectuives saying dumb things about consumer technology, because this piece from the BBC addresses some of what are likely to be the more relevant issues for the drop in sales. Specifically the smoking ban that went into place in Ireland at the end of March, which also applies to pubs.
I was in Dublin for a few days a few months ago, and I have to say that the smoking ban made for some very interesting social developments, well beyond even those I had observed in California or New York City. When someone at a pub in Ireland wants to step outside to have a smoke, they place a coaster on top of their pint and head on out. Even if every member of their party goes out for a smoke, the other patrons seem to respect this. Nobody messes with their drinks, nobody steals their seats. I was really amazed since in Washington bar patrons barely respect the space you currently occupy.
