In Focus: What Is The Future For Irish Pub As 5000 Job Losses Expected In 2012 [ 7:53 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadAt a protest outside Dail Eireann earlier this week, the Vintners Federation said they wanted more action from the government to combat the significant problems effecting the pub trade.
While there Vintners Federation outlined proposals that they would like to see happen to encourage publicans:
- Rates: The Valuation Bill coming before the Dáil needs to have a clause that allows an appeal on rates based on a change in economic 
circumstances of the business
- Rural Transport: Publicans should be exempt from VAT and VRT on all new 7 and 9 seat vehicles to reflect the reality that publicans are acting as de facto taxi drivers in rural Ireland
- VAT Exemption for those with low turnover: An increase in the current VAT exemption threshold from a turnover figure of €75,000 to €100,000
- Reduction in Excise: The budget needs to recognize that we currently have the third highest level of excise in Europe and anything other than a reasonable reduction will have a negative impact on jobs
- Overhaul of Regulatory Burden: Government needs to have a radical overhaul of the regulatory burden imposed on small and medium sized businesses
President of the Vintners Federation talks to focuSMEireland.com editor, Kehlan Kirwan, about the future of the industry and why things look so bleak for the Irish pub trade.
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