The Support Your Local campaign, backed by independent off-licences and drinks suppliers, has announced the results of a poll of members of the Restaurants Association of Ireland and the Vintners Federation of Ireland, revealing that members are suffering the effects of high excise, as well as from and the uncertainty and sterling effects of the recent Brexit vote.
Padraig Cribben, CEO of the Vintners Federation of Ireland explained that "Members in the border counties are seeing a downturn of between 8 and 12% spend of British tourists compared to this time last year.
"We firmly believe that the Brexit Vote has resulted in an even stronger case for a significant reduction in alcohol excise. Budget 2017 should compensate for the negative effect of Brexit, such as exchange rate uncertainty, impacts of a new “border” and the impacts that Brexit might have on British tourists and their spend in Ireland."
Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland added, "Excise increases in Budget 2012 and 2013 were applied at a time of economic crisis.
"Now that we are moving towards recovery, we need to take this heavy burden off consumers, tourists, businesses and employees across the drinks and hospitality sector which currently employs over 204,000 people with a combined wage bill of €4.3 billion, in every corner of Ireland."
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine by Jenny Whelan
