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Voucher plan for cancelled holidays

Holidaymakers who cancel trips abroad on the back of advice from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) should be compensated with vouchers for domestic breaks, according to the chairperson of the government's Covid-19 response committee. mcnamara

The move would ease the financial burden on holidaymakers who could be set to lose thousands of euro by not using scheduled flights and also serve as a boost for the flailing domestic tourism sector, Independent TD Michael McNamara has said.

He backed calls from consumer advocates who say thousands of holidaymakers are set to lose out on huge sums of money if they listen to Dr Tony Holohan, who has pleaded with people not to travel abroad following an increase in travel-related Covid-19 cases.

RAI rows with Publicans

A dispute has emerged between groups representing restaurants and publicans over a campaign for tax cuts to save them from being overwhelmed by fallout from the coronavirus crisis. The 'Irish Times' reports to-day that the Restaurants Association of Ireland had a row with groups representing publicans over a drive by the drinks industry for a near €700 million cut to VAT on pub alcohol sales in the Government’s promised July stimulus.

The RAI objected to the campaign at a Zoom meeting last month of umbrella group, Digi (Drinks Industry Group of Ireland), which includes hospitality businesses and also drink manufacturers such as Diageo.

The restaurants group argued that a VAT cut on pub drink from 23 to 9 per cent was unrealistic, given the cost, and said lobbying should be focused elsewhere. This week, pub lobbyists criticised their RAI counterparts.

On Monday, the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA), representing Dublin pubs, emailed its 700 members to say gastropubs “should know that the RAI refused to support this campaign”, which will be officially launched this weekend. “This certainly calls their commitment to pubs into question,” the LVA said.

Pubs are 'Flouting Guidelies'

The Vintners Federation says a small number of publicans are flouting Covid-19 reopening guidelines. pcribben

The Failte Ireland directives say customers should have a substantial meal and spend no more than 105 minutes at a table.

However, there’s some confusion over who should be policing the guidelines.

VFI Chief Executive, Padraig Cribben, says all publicans should be setting an example.

Mr Cribben says: "There are some, a very small number who are not complying exactly with the guidelines.

"Our exhortation to them would be: 'Look the guidelines are there to be followed, they are for your own safety. They are for the public's safety.'

Extended 'Diana' exhibition opens

Newbridge Silverware and the Museum of Style Icons launched its extended Princess Diana Exhibition. It contains never before displayed garments, patterns, toiles and piece emmanuel s of Princess Diana’s wedding dress and opened to coincide with the late Princess’ birthday. Princess Diana is largely seen as one of the most influential fashion figures of the last century and had she lived, would have celebrated her 59th birthday today (1st of July).

Covid impact 'Until 2025'

The impact of Covid-19 could be felt in the hospitality sector until 2025, business representatives have warned.. timfenn0218

Tim Fenn of the Irish Hotels Federation estimated that employment will not return to 2019 levels until 2025. He said turnover for 2020 will be down by 74%, while Adrian Cummins of the Restaurants Association of Ireland said that 50% of restaurants face closure without significant state intervention. He told the committee that 75% of landlords have refused to give rent breaks, insurers are hiking premiums which are up for renewal by 15-20% and that utility providers are targeting restaurants for deposits on payments.

Economist, Jim Power, said the 2019 VAT increase to 13.5% was a mistake and it is "essential" to cut this to 0% until the end of 2021 and to cap it at 9% thereafter.