Donegal Publican calls for specific support measures for small rural pubs

A Donegal Publican and member of the Vintners Association has called on the government to introduce support measures that will not lead to a two-tier hospitality sector in Ireland.  Ballybofey Publican, Martin Harley, says there is a serious danger that more small rural pubs will cease trading and as a result tourism projects such as the Wild Atlantic way will be negatively impacted.  The Vintners Federation are gathering in Limerick today for their annual general conference.  They are calling a 40 per cent rebate on the excise charged to draught products sold in pubs The Federation says publicans who do not serve food are at a serious commercial disadvantage and could miss out on any VAT reductions for the hospitality sector. Martin Harley is calling for support measures to be introduced that are tailored made for smaller pubs and bars. He says the measures they are suggesting will have a minimum impact on the national exchequer and will help to safeguard the future of many businesses that are offering such a vital community service: