Nationally, over 2,000 bars have closed since 2005.
158 pubs in the midlands have closed in the past 18 years.
Analysis by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland found more than 2,000 bars have gone out of business around the country since 2005.
Westmeath has seen 64 closures in that time period, while there's been 48 in Laois and 46 in Offaly.
The DIGI is calling for a reduction in excise duty, which it say is 12-times higher than other in countries.
Economist Anthony Foley, says parts of the midwest and midlands were the worst affected by pubs closing down:
Author of the report, Professor Tony Foley says "The continuing decline is taking place against a backdrop of societal change and cost of business strains. Consumption of alcohol has notably decreased, how we socialise is changing, the types of drinks we consume are changing, particularly the rise of low-alcohol and alcohol-free products."
DIGI Chair and Communications and Corporate Affairs Director at Irish Distillers, Kathryn D’Arcy says "These people and the businesses they work for are part of the economic and social fabric of their communities. Running such businesses in a climate where the cost of doing business is squeezing more and more is difficult."
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