Local business owners criticise decision to retain hospitality VAT rate

The failure to retain the current 13.5% VAT rate for hospitality will lead to further closures in that sector. That's the view of local businesspeople who are critical of the Government's decision not to reinstate the 9% rate in the Budget. Enterprise Minister Peter Burke, meanwhile, is rejecting claims he's failed the sector:

Rooskey businessman Andrew Reynolds, however, says the decision to retain the current VAT heaps more pressure on the sector:

Caroilin Callery, who runs Nurture's Best Creche in Tarmonbarry, says the tourism sector will also suffer: