Restaurant industry to target election candidates in fight for lower Vat rate

Adrian Cummins, chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said its campaign would focus in particular on candidates running in rural areas in May’s local elections

Colin Harmon, owner of Dublin coffee company 3fe, says small margins make survival difficult Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

Restaurant industry representatives will target local election candidates in a bid to persuade the government to reverse its decision to end the special Vat rate for the hospitality sector.

Adrian Cummins, chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI), said he expected to see the first effects of the rate rise, which kicks in on January 1, in the spring.

“Generally speaking, restaurants have had a good Christmas, with spending on a ...