One restaurant closing every week since VAT hike, lobby group claims

The Restaurants Association of Ireland says the increase - from 9%to 13.5% - has led to an average of one restaurant closing down every week.

Restaurants in rural Ireland are finding it hardest to cope with the recent VAT hike on the industry, according to the Restaurants Association of Ireland.

The RAI says the increase from 9%t o 13.5% has led to an average of one restaurant closing down every week.