One in three restaurants 'facing closure'

The Restaurants Association of Ireland says one in three restaurants is facing closure in the next six months.

The group claims that over 80% of Irish restaurants are running at a loss, putting 21,000 jobs at risk.

It has launched a 10-point plan for the survival of the sector.

Chief Executive Adrian Cummins said the first thing the Government should do is reduce the minimum wage.

"What we are looking for is a reduction in the national minimum wage, from €8.65 down to €7.65, and the abolishment of the catering JLC minimum rates, which is 8% higher than the minimum wage" he said.

The group is also calling for the abolishment of the Sunday premium, under which restaurants have to pay time and a third when they open their doors on a Sunday.