Almost 50 food businesses closed this month as costs rise and demand falls

RAI president Paul Lenehan said: “Contrary to popular belief, the restaurant industry is not flourishing and the closure of 48 establishments in November alone goes to show this." File picture

Nearly 50 restaurants, cafés and other food-led businesses were forced to close in November, according to the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI).

The RAI said the food services industry continues to grapple with a “perfect storm” of increased costs and reduced consumer demand as 188 businesses have now closed their doors since July.