Eating out...of pocket

VAT rise on hospitality to hit customers. It's last nail in coffin, warns industry boss

- FERGHAL BLANEY

EATING out will cost more from today - thanks to the Government hiking up VAT on hospitality by 50%.

Restaurants, cafes, hotels and other hospitality businesses will pay 13.5% on food again from today after it was reduced to 9% during Covid.

The extra VAT to be paid will see €2.25 added on a meal costing €50.

It will hit the sector hard, with predictions of job losses and business closures.

The Licensed Vintners Association warned the costs would be passed on to customers.