Ennis Hotelier Claims Increased VAT Rate Will Be “Damaging For Sector”

Fresh fears have been expressed that a rise in the VAT rate for the hospitality sector would be “damaging” for the sector in Clare.

The rate was cut during the recession as part of efforts to boost the sector, but now it’s reported that the Finance Minister is is to announce an increase in the rate from 9% to 11%, at least in the budget, in a bid to bolster Government coffers.

It follows tense negotiations between Fine Gael and the Independent Alliance, who are seeking to limit the increase to larger hotels in Dublin, Cork and Galway.

Co-Owner and Manager of Hotel Woodstock in Ennis, Sean Lally, believes that with Brexit on the horizon, any move which could result in further economic uncertainty would be a bad one.