Vintners Federation call for rebates for all publicans to be treated equally

The Government has to act to prevent publicans close due to escalating costs of doing business.  The Vintners Federation is calling for a 40 per cent rebate on the excise charged to draught products sold in pubs as well as a level playing ground when it comes to any reduction in VAT.  The call comes as the VFI gathers in Limerick for its annual general conference.  The North West region of Ireland has experienced significant pub closures, with figures claiming that in excess of 200 pubs have closed in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal during the past twenty years.