Vast majority fear for the future of our restaurants [Video]

There are major concerns over the future of small cafés and restaurants – with three quarters of respondents to a new survey fearing large chains will replace local businesses, writes Helen Bruce.

As many small and high-profile restaurants continue to close, citing excessive running costs, the Restaurants Association of Ireland has renewed its call for a return to the 9% VAT rate for food businesses.

The survey, conducted by Amárach Research on behalf of the Irish Daily Mail, has found 89% of people believe small, independent restaurants and cafés play an important role in their local community.

And 75% are concerned by the prospect of large chain operators replacing small independent outlets.

Almost half (48%) are in favour of a VAT rate drop for the food industry, returning it to the reduced rate charged during the pandemic from the current 13.5%.

A further 29% oppose it, and 23% said they didn’t know.

The strongest support …