The Kilkenny man who heads up the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland is warning Government that supports are needed for his sector.
Attendees at the VFI AGM in Mount Wolseley, county Carlow today are set to hear how the organisation’s recent survey claims 41% of pub owners say their financial situation is worse now than it was a year ago.
Representatives also say the upcoming 9% VAT cut is inadequate and the industry needs a tax credit to help its members survive the cost of living crisis.
CEO Pat Crotty says the Government needs to undo the damage it has done to the pub trade, noting; “It was already in a precarious condition last year so the situation is being exacerbated and the big problem is that Government’s fingerprints are on most of the costs that are most significant for pubs so we’re saying to Government now ‘please help us to stay alive because if you want us to die, keep doing what you’re doing'”.
