Hospitality sector warns of cuts, closures and Christmas lights out 

Hotelier Michael Magner of The Vienna Woods Hotel, Cork: 'I really believe that our industry is now under a greater threat than the dark days of Covid.' Picture: Larry Cummins

Spiralling energy prices could force hotels and cafes into job cuts and closure, while shops could be forced to abandon Christmas displays in their windows in a bid to keep costs down.

That is the bleak picture painted by hospitality and retail industry figures, as Bord Gáis became the latest company to hike prices in a week that has seen a number of utility firms increase costs for already hard-pressed customers.