The Digital Shift Payments and the Irish Pub Scene

Interview with BOIPA Country Manager, Barry Gray. Published in November, 2024 in the Irish Pub Awards Supplement of the Irish Independent. We are proud sponsors of the Innovative Pub of the Year category.

Recent statistics from the Banking and Payment Federation Ireland (BPFI) revealed that consumers made more than 1.4 billion contactless payments—to the value of €24.8 billion—in the 12 months to the end of June 2024.

There’s been a clear step-change in payment behaviours over the past decade with Irish consumers now accustomed to the speed and simplicity of paying with their phone, smartwatch, or contactless card.

Payment services provider BOI Payment Acceptance (BOIPA) has been an active player within this changed payment landscape, celebrating their 10th birthday in August. Their own Business Insights survey highlighted how 7 in 10 merchants noticed a decrease in cash usage over a 12 month period. We spoke with Barry Gray, BOIPA’s Country Manager, to discuss digital payments impact on Ireland’s pub industry as well as what new solutions are on the horizon.

Meeting the expectations of today’s customers

Gray reflects that it is easy to overlook the change that’s occured in Irish payments over the last ten years. “Just a decade ago we were saying goodbye to the Laser card and Ireland had yet to tap into the potential of contactless payments.”

Now, today’s pub-goers are used to a world of convenience. Gray makes the point that they see the value from tapping with their card or digital wallet. “Customers expect quick, seamless transactions that fit into their lifestyle. With contactless cards, mobile payments, and digital wallets now the norm, customers are no longer fumbling with cash or waiting for change. This significantly reduces wait times at the bar and improves the overall customer experience."

Digital payments as an operational apex

From the pub's perspective, faster payments mean better service, which helps manage peak periods more effectively. “When things get busy, the last thing you want is a queue building up because people are waiting to pay. With digital payments, customer transactions happen fast, allowing staff to concentrate on delivering the very best of Irish hospitality, which is what sets a great pub apart."

Digital payments are not only about streamlined transaction experiences—they also provide significant operational benefits for pub owners and staff.

From the transactional footprints customers make, claims Gray, there’s valuable operational currency to be gained by Irish pub owners. "Pub owners now have access to immediate sales data, which helps them make better business decisions. For example, they can quickly see which drinks or menu items are the most popular, track busy periods, and even identify areas where they might want to make changes to boost sales."

“Partnerships with leading point-of-sale (POS) technology providers enable integrated payment experiences, further streamlining operations and helping pubs get the most out of their digital payments setup.”

Partnerships and innovation shaping the payment paradigm 

The partnerships Gray alludes to are part of what is making accepting digital payments more valuable to business owners, along with continued innovation.

“Whether it’s working with a technology partner or developing a trade association partnership, like the one we enjoy with the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) and the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA), the focus is on delivering more benefits for businesses and keeping pace with consumer payment expectations.”

When it comes to innovative payment solutions, Gray is optimistic about what can be delivered now and in the near future. 

“From the micro to macro situations, there’s a solution for every business. Irish merchants will soon be able to take payments through their own mobile phone, making sure that payment opportunities are, quite literally, always at hand. And our recently launched payment solution for stadiums and busy venues means we can keep queues moving with fast, secure transactions through cutting-edge POS technology and self service kiosks, robust enough for the busiest venues.”

For Gray, the business of digital payments is now much more than just processing transactions. They help pubs operate more efficiently, provide better service, and keep up with customer expectations. "Pubs have always been at the heart of Irish social life, and by embracing digital payments, they’re ensuring they can continue to offer the best possible experience for their customers. We’re delighted so many trust us to support them."

BOIPA is the official payments partner to the Vintners Federation of Ireland and the Licensed Vintners Association and offers preferential rates for their members. For more, visit www.boipa.com