New year, new challenges
The January February issue of Drinks Industry Ireland focuses on the new national minimum wage. From our own survey, we can see challenges emerging from the increased employment costs and additional sick pay entitlements. Shane McLave from Excel Recruitment is asking government to acknowledge the struggles of small business and to reintroduce the 9% VAT rate in order to help businesses stay afloat.
Elsewhere we look at the ever present threat of public liability cases for business owners. We spoke to publican Peter Collins from Barry’s of Douglas who was recently involved in a discrimination case. We wonder how businesses can manage these unexpected costs without increasing the price of a pint.
This issue is also packed full of coverage of the Irish Pub Awards and the Irish Whiskey Awards. Congratulations to Aunty Lena’s in Adare and to Connacht Irish Whiskey for their recent wins.
Fionnuala Carolan
Editor