Media Coverage – November 2024

‘I can see the stress and pain on people’s faces. The food and drink sector has never had to dig so deep’

In August, the Restaurants Association of Ireland claimed that 577 restaurants had closed in the 11 months since Vat increased from 9pc to 13.5pc.

But it’s not just Vat that is battering food businesses large and small. Food input costs have soared, while the minimum wage and other labour costs, such as PRSI, have increased and the sector is also facing pension auto-enrolment costs. All of this comes at a time of higher costs for consumers across the board off the back of the pandemic and Russia’s war in Ukraine, eating into the public’s ability to treat itself.

Crisis in hospitality: ‘I can see a lot more restaurants closing after Christmas if something isn’t changed’

Restaurateurs left reeling from the double whammy of Covid and the energy crisis were dealt another blow when VAT was hiked. Those in the industry speak about what needs to be done to keep their businesses going after the election.

Perry Street owners owed creditors over €1m as popular Cork cafes close

The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) has accused the government of ignoring the plight of Ireland’s fragile hospitality sector following the shock closure. The RAI also warned that many more food-related businesses will close during the general election campaign and said the crisis facing the sector must be tackled head-on by the incoming government.  “The government is not listening to our concerns. They just don’t understand how bad it is our there for our members,” RAI chief executive, Adrian Cummins, said.