The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) launched its pre-budget submission on Monday last (16/11). It warned that 1 in 3 restaurants face closure in the next 6 months. It identified that over 80% of Irish Restaurants are running at a loss, putting 21,000 jobs at risk. In terms of costs, it said that Irish restaurateurs pay the highest catering wage rates in Europe, has the highest excise duty on wines in Europe and that Irish food cost inputs are 24% above the European average. Many of the recommendations in its 10 point survival plan make sense....recoverablity of VAT on corporate dining, reduction in excise duty, prioritisation of a 'food tourism' strategy, investment in training to be offset against employers PRSI and a reduction in local authority charges. While the submission was primarily for Dept of Finance officials to mull over, the associated media coverage painted the sector yet again in a negative light. How about a campaign to encourage people to 'Support Your Local Restaurant'? Naturally the packaging needs to be attractive. Take a look at Green 19 in Camden Street. While it may not be for everyone, the offering is very much in tune with the times.
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