Call to reverse excise hike on wine as it ‘threatens hospitality sector’s future’

The Irish Wine Association is calling on the Government to reverse the increase in excise on wine introduced last year as it is impacting on the hospitality sector.

The chairman of the association Michael Foley said the wine sector cannot continue to carry restaurants if the Government places huge tax bills on it.

“In terms of tourism, we all know wine is a key source of profitability for restaurants. At present one restaurant per day is closing in Ireland, while 80% operate at a loss. This is clearly a vulnerable sector and if the Government continues to impose huge increases in wine excise, it cannot expect the wine sector to remain capable of supporting the 1,711 restaurants with wine licences and 413 others with full licences,” he said.