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We’ve Been Supporting Hospitality Industry Since 1970

The Restaurants Association of Ireland was formed in 1970 with the initial goal of forming a strong lobby that would represent the industry at Government level on issues of importance to the Irish restaurant industry.

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RAI Statement – Lifting of restrictions on Hospitality

by Restaurants Association | January 21, 2022 | News | 0 Comments

Hospitality breathes a Sigh of Relief! Businesses relieved by lifting of restrictions and excited to trade once again The Restaurants Association of Ireland CEO Adrian Cummins has described the announcement made by Government this evening to lift restrictions on...

Media Coverage – January 2022

by Restaurants Association | January 11, 2022 | News | 0 Comments

President’s Report January 2022

by Restaurants Association | January 10, 2022 | News | 0 Comments

Welcome to your January newsletter, I would like to wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year. It is not hard to beat previous Januarys when I think of this time last year, we did not get diners back indoors until the summer. It is fair to say that we...

RAI Statement – Restrictions Announced by Government

by Restaurants Association | December 17, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Hospitality Sector Devastated and Fearful for Future with announcement of further restrictions 60% of hospitality staff will be laid off Christmas week following Government announcement Christmas Restrictions mean a long cold winter for Hospitality – Financial...

President’s Report December 2021

by Restaurants Association | December 7, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Last month I had welcomed the easing of certain restrictions that would ensure we had a healthy trading period through December. Days after releasing last month's newsletter the new variant Omicron was starting to sweep across Africa and into Europe. We had our first...

RAI Statement on EWSS & Proposed Restrictions

by Restaurants Association | December 3, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Restaurants Association of Ireland had a positive and constructive engagement with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minster Michael McGrath this morning Friday 3rd December regarding supporting the sector. Adrian Cummins CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland:...

Media Coverage – December 2021

by Restaurants Association | December 3, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Media Coverage – November 2021

by Restaurants Association | November 11, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Dining Week 28th January to 6th February 2022

by Restaurants Association | November 11, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

We are delighted to announce the launch of Dining Week, a nationwide initiative to bring diners back into our restaurants during the quiet period from January 28th to 6th February 2022. Dining Week presents restaurants with a wonderful chance to showcase their venue...

President’s Report November 2021

by Restaurants Association | November 1, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

I hope the Halloween & Autumn period kept you and your staff very busy and we can now look forward to the festive period. This time last year we were at level 3 lockdown and we were allowed to serve a maximum of 15 customers outdoors. It was hard to see light at...

Media Coverage – October 2021

by Restaurants Association | October 12, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

RAI Statement – Budget 2022

by Restaurants Association | October 12, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Restaurants Association of Ireland describe Budget 2022 as disastrous for Hospitality & TourismIncrease of VAT rate to 13.5% next September a blow for Tourism RecoveryA still restricted Restaurant and Hospitality Sector faces a cold winder with tapering of wage...

President’s Report October 2021

by Restaurants Association | October 4, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Welcome to the Presidents report for October, As the Budget approaches, the team in RAI headquarters have been extremely busy preparing our Pre-Budget submission. This document contains a targeted package of suggested supports that will ensure the survival of many...

RAI Pre-Budget Submission 2022

by Restaurants Association | September 27, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

The Restaurants Association of Ireland has today released its Pre-Budget 2022 Submission. Speaking about the asks of the restaurant and wider hospitality industry, Adrian Cummins, CEO Restaurants Association of Ireland said: “Our members, including restaurants,...

Media Coverage – September 2021

by Restaurants Association | September 27, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

President’s Report September 2021

by Restaurants Association | September 6, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Welcome to my Presidents report for September 2021. It is hard to believe that the kids are back to school after what feels like an 18 month long summer. I hope you got to enjoy some quality time at some stage although I fully understand the difficulties in trying to...

RAI Statement on Government’s Reopening Plan: COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing our Recovery and Reconnecting

by Restaurants Association | August 31, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Restaurant and Hospitality Sector cautiously welcomes the Government’s announcement regarding the easing of COVID restrictions Survival Supports must remain in place into Winter & until Tourism Returns Continued Government Engagement on plan for Survival and...

President’s Report August 2021

by Restaurants Association | August 19, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Welcome to your August newsletter, July proved to be a very challenging month. Our reopening date was originally the 5th of July which was postponed due to the Delta Variant. NPHET estimated 20k cases per day with a large increase in ICU admission. The advice given...

Media Coverage – August 2021

by Restaurants Association | August 19, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

President’s Report July 2021

by Restaurants Association | August 19, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Welcome to your July newsletter, We are now entering the 17th month of the pandemic & the 17th month of severe business restrictions. We have made sacrifices in our business and personal lives, the pressure for business owners, hospitality staff and their...

Indoor Dining reopens Monday 26th July – Guidelines Released

by Restaurants Association | July 23, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Indoor Dining Guidelines Released https://failtecdn.azureedge.net/.../Guidance-for-Indoor... Updated Hospitality & Tourism Guidelines https://covid19.failteireland.ie/.../guidelines-for-re.../ Digital Covid Cert Checker...

Media Coverage – July 2021

by Restaurants Association | July 5, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Statement – Restaurants Association of Ireland 29th June 2021

by Restaurants Association | June 29, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Restaurant Sector astounded and angered by a further delay of possible two weeks to reopening Indoors Allowing vaccinated customers only to dine indoors is flawed, unworkable, discriminatory and currently illegal The Summer is now lost for thousands of businesses...

Reported delay to Indoor Dining – Contact your local TD

by Restaurants Association | June 28, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Full NameConstituencyShort TitleFull TitleEmailKathleen FunchionCarlow-KilkennyDeputykathleen.funchion@oireachtas.ieJohn McGuinnessCarlow-KilkennyDeputyjohn.mcguinness@oireachtas.ieJennifer Murnane O'ConnorCarlow-KilkennyDeputyjennifer.murnaneoconnor@oireachtas.ieJohn...

Statement regarding date for Indoor Dining

by Restaurants Association | June 23, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

The Restaurants Association of Ireland is aware of recent comments by An Taoiseach and cabinet Ministers to media that it is too early to confirm if the date for indoor dining on 5th July is on track citing a concern regarding the increase of the Delta variant. Any...

Media Coverage – June 2021

by Restaurants Association | June 17, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Update – Legal Challenge for Indoor Dining Equality

by Restaurants Association | June 17, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

The Restaurants Association of Ireland and members of the Association have applied to the High Court seeking leave to challenge distinctions made between indoor dining in non-hotel commercial restaurants and indoor dining within hotels. The challenge relates to recent...

President’s Report – June 2021

by Restaurants Association | June 8, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Welcome to your June newsletter, Today is the day that I get to reopen my business and welcome my customers back. I am finding it extremely hard to celebrate my reopening because I know that my business is one of only approximately 1 in 5 restaurants that...

Restaurants Association of Ireland Statement on Government Announcement 28th May 2021

by Restaurants Association | May 28, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Delay of indoor dining for all Hospitality - unjust, unscientific and discriminatory Government decision means no viable trading for standalone Restaurants, Cafes or Gastropubs this summer No Medical or Public Health reason to keep Restaurants, Cafes & Gastropubs...

Legal Challenge – Indoor Dining Equality

by Restaurants Association | May 5, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Today a member of the Restaurants Association of Ireland has issued a notice to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and the Chief State Solicitor's Office of an intention to issue a legal challenge regarding: "Unfair restriction of trade in a commercial...

Media Coverage May 2021

by Restaurants Association | May 2, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

https://twitter.com/i/status/1388897790907109378 https://twitter.com/NewstalkFM/status/1389500048644481026?s=20

President’s Report – May 2021

by Restaurants Association | May 2, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Welcome to your May newsletter, Summer is upon us and we are still restricted in our capabilities, we are now 14 months locked down in some way, shape or form. An Taoiseach’s speech on Wednesday was positive for the overall economy but it was not good for...

RAI Statement on Government Announcement 29th April 2021

by Restaurants Association | April 29, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Restaurant customers must dine on the street, whilst hotel guests can eat and drink indoors. Government announcement has divided the Hospitality Industry. No Medical or Public Health reason to keep Restaurants & Cafes restricted if Hotels reopen...

Media Coverage April 2021

by Restaurants Association | April 6, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Hospitality & Tourism Expo 2021: Reset & Recover – Tuesday 13th April 2021

by Restaurants Association | April 6, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

The Hospitality & Tourism Expo 2021 taking place this April 13th, is set to be a significant aid in helping the Hospitality & Tourism sectors recover, with almost 2,500 attendees already registered. If you are a restaurant owner, pub...

President’s Report – April 2021

by Restaurants Association | April 6, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Welcome to your April newsletter, I hope the Easter weekend was extremely busy for those that were offering a takeaway or delivery service and if not that the CRSS was of some assistance to cover fixed costs. There is a fine line between success and being a very busy...

Revised Living with COVID Plan – No Dates – No Metrics – No Plan – Lacking in Detail

by Restaurants Association | March 30, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Government announcement doesn’t go far enough - Restaurant & Hospitality Sector given no hope & no confidence. The Restaurant Association of Ireland has reacted with disappointment, dismay and concern to the Government’s latest announcement regarding the...

Statement from Restaurants Association of Ireland in advance of Government announcement today Tuesday 30th March

by Restaurants Association | March 30, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Restaurants and Hospitality Sector appeal to Government for Clear Roadmap to reopening with TimeLine, Metrics and specific percentage of population vaccinated, for the resumption of business in a viable format. It has been over one year since the restaurant and...

Greater Supports Needed for Survival of Sector – Media Coverage March 2021

by Restaurants Association | March 25, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

https://twitter.com/VirginMediaNews/status/1374428230430552070?s=20 https://twitter.com/LMFMRADIO/status/1374378519946350598?s=20 https://twitter.com/VirginMediaNews/status/1374348958101766144?s=20 https://twitter.com/NewstalkFM/status/1374274844464971779?s=20...

President’s Report – March 2021

by Restaurants Association | March 23, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Welcome to your March newsletter, After a very long and dark winter a touch of spring is in the air and we can look forward to brighter days ahead. It is hard to believe we are a full year into this pandemic. It has tested us to the very core and one word that...

Restaurants Association of Ireland Opening Statement 23rd March 2021- Joint Committee on Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht

by Restaurants Association | March 23, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Our CEO Adrian Cummins and President Mark McGowan spoke to the Joint Committee today on the Impact of Covid-19 on Hospitality Sector. Watch Back Here:...

New Recovery and Renewal 2021 – The Path Ahead Plan doesn’t give Restaurants or Hospitality a clear road map to reopening with specific dates and metrics

by Restaurants Association | February 23, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Government must now provide meaningful & appropriate financial supports for the survival of restaurants and hospitality businesses150,000 Hospitality workers require certainty regarding their jobs and when they can return to work. The Restaurants Association of...

President’s Report – February 2021

by Restaurants Association | February 1, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Welcome to your February newsletter, January has been a difficult time for our industry, wet and gloomy weather has made things that bit more difficult. The good news is today is the first day of spring and we have brighter days ahead. I would like to open...

President’s Report – January 2021

by Restaurants Association | January 11, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Welcome to your January newsletter, I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year. 2021 will be a year of, hope and recovery and I am writing this newsletter cautiously optimistic about the coming year simply because it can never be as bad as what we all...

Compton Solicitors Summary of the Failte Ireland Guidelines for Reopening

by Restaurants Association | December 11, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Compton Solicitors have put together the following summary of the most recent Failte Ireland Guidelines for Reopening - this useful guide condensing the restrictions into 2 pages can be found here

President’s Report – December 2020

by Restaurants Association | December 7, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Welcome to your December newsletter. I am delighted to be writing this newsletter with our industry reopened rather than closed. We had an extremely difficult year and although it will be impossible to recoup the losses accumulated since March at least we can finish...

Safe Dining – Safe Restaurants – Safe Christmas

by Restaurants Association | December 3, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Restaurants Association of Ireland urges all restaurants, cafés and gastropubs reopening this Friday 4th December to abide by public health guidelines. The Restaurants Association of Ireland has today urged all restaurants, cafés and gastropubs reopening this Friday...

Statement on Reopening Friday 4th December

by Restaurants Association | November 27, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

The Restaurants Association of Ireland welcomes the decision announced this evening by Taoiseach Micheál Martin that restaurants, cafés and gastropubs will reopen for indoor dining on Friday 4th December. Speaking about the announcement this evening, CEO of the...

Restaurants and indoor dining key to safe, regulated, controlled environment for public socialising in December and Christmas

by Restaurants Association | November 20, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Irish Taxpayer / Exchequer to lose €250 Million if Restaurant Sector remains closed for indoor dining in DecemberDecember accounts for 30% of Restaurants Annual turnover Restaurants Association of Ireland today is calling on the Government to permit indoor dining in...

Presidents Report – November 2020

by Restaurants Association | November 3, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Welcome to your November newsletter, As we enter the third week of level 5 restrictions and the rest of Europe follows suit, it seems likely that the level will only be reduced to level three restrictions. Outdoor dining is simply not an option for us and so a...

Restaurants Association of Ireland describe Budget 2021 as “a step in the right direction towards saving the industry”

by Restaurants Association | October 13, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Restaurants Association of Ireland describe Budget 2021 as “a step in the right direction towards saving the industry” Hospitality VAT reduction welcomed toward saving the Hospitality IndustryDisappointing that both employment wage supports schemes EWSS and PUP rates...

Restaurant and Hospitality Industry Sentiment Survey 2020 – Impact of COVID-19

by Restaurants Association | October 8, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Full Survey Can be viewed here Crowe Restaurant and Hospitality Industry Sentiment Survey captures outlook of Ireland’s hospitality sector ahead of Budget 2021 Revenues for Q3 2020 were down 37% on 2019 while Q4 2020 is expected to be down 41% on 20192021 revenues are...

“Christmas Season must be saved” Restaurant Owners appeal to Government

by Restaurants Association | October 7, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Restaurants Association of Ireland calls for actual plan for living with COVID 19180,000 Hospitality employees in state of desperate uncertainty about their livelihoodsLevel 3 was essentially a closure order to restaurants & hospitality businesses across Ireland...

President’s Report – October 2020

by Restaurants Association | October 5, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Welcome to your October newsletter, I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to our industry colleagues in Donegal & Dublin that have entered a second lockdown. Our CEO has sought moratorium extensions and specific lockdown county support to those businesses...

President’s Report – September 2020

by Restaurants Association | September 30, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Welcome to your September newsletter, I feel some sense of normality taking communion and confirmation bookings and I personally am delighted to see children going back to school which is a credit to government planning and more importantly to the teachers that have...

Restaurants Association of Ireland launches Pre-Budget Submission 2021

by Restaurants Association | September 30, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Rebuilding & Supporting Ireland’s Restaurant & Hospitality Sector Wage Supports – return to TWSS rates on a sectoral basis. Qualifying period full year 2020 compared to 2019. Inclusion of employees earning less than €151.50Commercial Rents – establish a forum...

Clarification Regarding New Guidelines For Restaurants

by Restaurants Association | September 4, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

The Government Information Service issued further clarification late last night (Tuesday 3rd September) regarding new Guidelines for Restaurant The Restaurants Association of Ireland are in direct contact with the highest level of Government, highlighting the issues...

Greed Driven Commercial Landlords seem oblivious to Ireland’s economic crisis

by Restaurants Association | September 3, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Government need to immediately introduce a code of practice and fast track arbitration for distressed commercial tenants Greed Driven Landlords are placing hundreds of businesses and thousands of jobs at risk across IrelandLandlords need to reduce commercial rent in...

11pm Curfew for Restaurants – Body Blow to struggling sector

by Restaurants Association | August 5, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

New Closing Times for Restaurants will make thousands of businesses unviable and place tens of thousands of jobs at risk. Restaurants Association of Ireland seeking urgent meeting with Taoiseach Following last...

Restaurants Association of Ireland reacts to July Stimulus Package

by Restaurants Association | July 23, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Restaurants Association of Ireland: “No decrease in Tourism VAT rate is a nail in the coffin for border Restaurant & Hospitality businesses competing with 5% rate in Northern Ireland”Restauranteurs – “July stimulus is cold comfort to thousands of Restaurant and...

Immediate reduction in Tourism and Hospitality VAT rate to 5% needed for restaurant survival.

by Restaurants Association | July 8, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Immediate inclusion on alcohol on sales in the 5% rate essentialUK has cut the reduced Value Added Tax on hospitality services from the current 20% standard rate to the reduced rate of 5%EU member states have also taken the decision to reduce their hospitality VAT...

50% of Restaurants face closure unless Government intervenes with Emergency Grant Aid Package

by Restaurants Association | June 22, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Report drafted by Jim Power Economics warns of high costs for the sector due to lack of supportsLandlords & Banks bearing down on Tourism & Hospitality SectorWe need #RestaurantSurvival The Restaurants Association of Ireland warn that up to 50% of...

Restaurants Association of Ireland express huge disappointment with lack of economic focus for Tourism in new Department realignment.

by Restaurants Association | June 20, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Exclusion of Tourism from standalone department to address the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sector sends shockwaves across Restaurant BusinessesRAI look forward to working closely with Minister Catherine Martin T.D to rebuild and stabilise the...

“Reopening Your Hospitality Business – A Practical Guide” is now available.

by Restaurants Association | June 16, 2020 | Bakery | 0 Comments

The COVID-19 Booklet “Reopening Your Hospitality Business – A Practical Guide” is now live online and contains a foreword from Adrian Cummins, CEO of The Restaurants Association of Ireland. This is a living document and will be updated in accordance with the...

Restaurants Association of Ireland Welcome launch of Programme for Government

by Restaurants Association | June 15, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

We eagerly await a full and comprehensive plan of supports & grants for the Tourism & Hospitality Sector The Restaurants Association of Ireland today welcomed the launch of the Programme for Government 2020 including initial measures around Tourism, SME...

President’s Report – June 2020

by Restaurants Association | June 5, 2020 | Bakery | 0 Comments

The weather has been absolutely glorious, and it is hard for one not to think what a season we would be having right now if it was not for this Pandemic. As the days and weeks go on, we are getting ever closer to our re-opening date and we have not received any...

Restaurants Association of Ireland call on Government to allow all Hospitality & Tourism Businesses reopen on Phase 3 – 29th June

by Restaurants Association | June 5, 2020 | Bakery | 0 Comments

CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland says all Hospitality & Tourism Sectors should be treated equally and allowed reopen on the 29th June under strict Public Health Guidelines The Restaurants Association of Ireland has called on the...

Watch the RAI’s 9-Point COVID Recovery Plan Video

by Restaurants Association | May 7, 2020 | Bakery | 0 Comments

In April, The Restaurants Association of Ireland launched its 9-point plan to help save and recover the restaurant industry. Watch the video below to find out more. https://youtu.be/g1b_pbO399A

President’s Report – May 2020

by Restaurants Association | May 6, 2020 | Bakery | 0 Comments

As we enter the 8th week of lock down it is fair to say that we as a nation have done a remarkable job in flattening the curve. An Taoiseach’s announcements on Friday has given clarity as to when our industry will reopen and when our recovery will begin which is...

Restaurants Association of Ireland Launch COVID-19 Crisis Recovery Plan.

by Restaurants Association | May 2, 2020 | Covid-19 | 0 Comments

9 out of 10 Restaurants face permanent closureRestaurants Association of Ireland Launch COVID-19 Crisis Recovery Plan: 9 Point Recovery Plan for the Irish Restaurant Sector.90% of Restaurants currently Closed in Ireland with 120,000 Jobs at Risk in the months ahead...

RAI Launches it’s 9 Point Plan for Reopening & Sustaining The Irish Restaurant Sector.

by Restaurants Association | April 30, 2020 | Bakery | 0 Comments

RAI Trade Members Compton Solicitors offer expert advice on: Covid 19: Restaurants operate as Takeaway

by Restaurants Association | April 30, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Emergency Legislation for Restaurants: An Emergency Exempted Development Act has been passed lifting planning restrictions to allow restaurant businesses adapt to the closure of their sit-in restaurant premises by operating as takeaway businesses. For the period of...

RAI Trade Members Compton Solicitors offer expert advice on: The Online Sale of Alcohol with Takeaway

by Restaurants Association | April 30, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Can your Restaurant sell alcohol online with takeaway service? Not all licences permit the sale of alcohol as part of the takeaway offering. The type of alcohol that can be offered will also be dependent on the type of Licence: i. Online Alcohol Sales with a Wine...

Restaurants Association of Ireland Launch COVID-19 Crisis Recovery Plan

by Restaurants Association | April 27, 2020 | News | 0 Comments

Restaurants Association of Ireland welcomes Government order for all Restaurants & Cafés to limit their supply to take away and deliveries only from midnight tonight due the COVID-19 pandemic

by Restaurants Association | April 2, 2020 | Covid-19 | 0 Comments

According to the Restaurants Association of Ireland, while the increase in measures is welcome, a bespoke hospitality aid package is required for our industry immediately Adrian Cummins, CEO of The Restaurants Association of Ireland, has welcomed the decision today by...

Immediate Business Supports needed to keep Restaurant & Tourism Sector afloat due to COVID-19

by Restaurants Association | March 6, 2020 | Covid-19, News | 0 Comments

The Restaurants Association of Ireland call for an immediate reduction of the VAT rate to 9%, plus business supports, for a period of 6 months80% corporate booking cancellations due to COVID-19 The Restaurants Association of Ireland have today highlighted the need for...

Next Government Needs to be Pro Jobs, Pro Tourism and Pro Small Businesses

by Restaurants Association | February 18, 2016 | News | 0 Comments

The Restaurants Association of Ireland Launches 2016 General Election Manifesto Next Government Needs to be Pro Jobs, Pro Tourism and Pro Small Businesses “The Restaurant Vote” The Restaurants Association of Ireland, today, launches its 2016 General Election...

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