Pubs have recovered from pandemic 'but 9% Vat rate still needed'

Pubs face fierce competition from all sides, says Vintners’ Federation of Ireland

Vintners’ Federation of Ireland president John Clendennen says keeping the reduced 9% Vat rate for hospitality businesses is still required for pubs to continue to appeal to tourists.

Most pubs outside the Dublin region have made a full recovery, with their sales matching or exceeding levels before the onset of the pandemic, but they still rely on keeping the reduced Vat hospitality rate of 9%, according to their trade body.           

The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI), which represents pub owners outside the capital, also said that most of its members were weathering the escalation in utility bills and insurance, and reported encouraging levels of confidence for the future of their businesses.