Save Our Pubs
There are warnings that up to 5,000 jobs could be lost if there are no measures to offset a decline in the pub trade. The Vintner’s Federation of Ireland , hence forth called the (VFI) have called for the establishment of an ombudsman to monitor the financial affairs with small and medium businesses. The VFI is also asking for the VAT to be considered for a cut in local authority rates, and warns that that section of the market is facing further job losses.

According to the VFI there have already been 4,800 jobs lost in the sector and they are expecting 5,000 more jobs lost if the current situation doesn’t change. We can expect more pub closures according to the VFI the closings are inevitable. Many of the pubs have cut their hours of operation due to a loss of trade. This trend of trade loss has been continuing throughout the summer months. The VFI is looking for substantial cuts in the VAT rates. These rates are expected to be from 21.5 to 15%, and from 13.5 to 10%. The cuts will help many pubs remain in business during this economic downturn. This has been rated an economic crisis by the VFI.

The VFI has in mind to lower the rates which will enable the pubs to stay in business longer. The rate cuts will be to cross out the customer base loss. With so many jobs losses already occurring, the last thing Ireland needs is to lose its pubs.