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I think it is a good thing. I see two big issues with craft beer in Ireland that this could help.

The first is people think the only beer possible is made by Diageken. And the second is people think the only type of pub possible is the standard VFI one. This at least allows people see a possible difference. Which i think increases the chances for a brew pub or a craft brewer to work.

Current conversation:
Us: Oh they brew there own beer and get in craft beers from local breweries
Them: My mate made beer in the bath when we were 17 and it had toenails in it. Im not listening anymore

Conversation with Spoons known about.
Us: Oh they brew there own beer and get in craft beers from local breweries
Them: Weird beer like Spoons has? I hate their sticky floors and grumpy drunks.
Us: Well yeah this is like that in that it has different beers but much nicer people and floors.

I guess we'll have to wait and see how they get on with the first one they open.

Its very difficult to say, i know the wetherspoons in Leed's train station is a soulless place, but a full brekkie and pint before a match for a great price can't be sniffed at - although i'm not sure that was bacon <!-- s:shock: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_eek.gif" alt=":shock:" title="Shocked" /><!-- s:shock: -->

According to the Irish Times today, Greene King and another chain are looking at opening in Dublin.

Charlie Chawke confirmed he was approached by a representative of Greene King. Chawke's pubs are premium suburban locations.

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="www.irishtimes.com/business/sectors/reta...quisitions-1.1529745">www.irishtimes.com/business/sect ... -1.1529745

I'm telling you lads, we'll get a Yates' yet, and then the Blobs are on me!!!

and another piece in the Irish Times on the incentives for Wetherspoons:

[url:3crj4ajj]http://www.irishtimes.com/business/sectors/retail-and-services/success-of-wetherspoon-in-ireland-will-come-down-to-the-price-of-its-pints-1.1530674[/url:3crj4ajj]

and another short piece, pointing towards distribution (and brewing)as the area this move might shake up the most:

[url:3tsfxbwv]http://www.irishtimes.com/business/sectors/retail-and-services/whose-round-is-it-anyway-1.1529832[/url:3tsfxbwv]