Vintners Federation calls for equality for self-employed

The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland is calling for greater supports and “equality” for the self-employed.

At its annual conference in Killarney on Monday, the VFI said that while self-employed pub owners “took all the risks”, when their ventures failed they had none of the supports of their employees.

“There is a huge sense on the ground amongst our members, that self-employed and business owners are significantly disadvantaged compared to other sectors when it comes to State supports when their businesses fail. We are actively seeking a more equitable approach to such supports for our members,” said Noreen O’Sullivan, President of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland.

She called on the Government to create a level playing field to support those whose businesses have fallen on hard times and for whom access to State supports is virtually a no-no.

Meanwhile , the VFI said new figures it has compiled show that the 2,500 pubs in traditional tourist areas employ 12,000 seasonal staff every year during the summer months.

The “significant role of the pub” in Irish tourism is one of the themes of the conference and calls for a reduction in excise to make drink less expensive for tourists.