Concern About Impact Of Restaurant No-Shows On Trade

Photo © Clare FM

Concern is being expressed in Ennis about the level of cancelled bookings at restaurants at this time of year, and the impact it has on trade.

It follows an investigation by the consumer watchdog into a push in the industry for non-refundable deposits.

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The Restaurant Association of Ireland is calling on all of its members to introduce a non-refundable deposit for bookings, to tackle what it calls the persistent problem of no-shows.

It says restaurants are losing out on money when tables are booked for the night, and aren’t filled when the customer fails to show.

But the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is investigating this, saying that while individual restaurants can adopt the policy, a sector-wide push is a problem.

Brian O’Neill of The Rowan Tree in Ennis says Christmas can pose a challenging time for them, despite the boost in business.

In some quarters here, however, there is a reluctance to implement a non-refundable deposit for bookings.

Paul Madden from the Temple Gate Hotel says they rely on local business and returning customers so it may not be the best approach for them.

These people on the streets of Ennis, meanwhile, are showing broad support for the plans.