Restaurants group reiterates calls for permanent restoration of 9% VAT rate ahead of October Budget

Restaurants Association of Ireland said Budget 2025 will be solely assessed on the Government's decision regarding the sector's VAT rate

Adrian Cummins, CEO of The Restaurants Association of Ireland. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

The chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) has reiterated calls for the 9% VAT rate to be reinstated for the hospitality industry, warning of mass closures across the sector if the current rate of 13.5% is maintained.

In its pre-budget submission, the lobby group cited a recent survey in which almost three-quarters of its members said they do not expect their business to be open this time next year if the 9% VAT rate is not reintroduced.