Return Of Higher VAT Rate “Final Straw” As Popular West Clare Restaurant Closes

A West Clare restaurateur says the return of the higher VAT rate in the hospitality sector was the final straw in his decision to close his doors.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Cillian Murphy has operated Murphy Black’s restaurant in Kilkee for the past 15 years, with Mary Redmond, and has made the difficult decision to cease trading.

Though a number of factors have been blamed, Cllr Murphy says the return of the 13.5% VAT rate, after several years of the lower 9% rate being in place was the final nail in the coffin.

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Cllr Murphy says for small rural businesses, the reduced rate during the recession made all the difference.