The VFI met with An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, TD, in Government Buildings to discuss issues that are currently impacting members. The primary issue is, of course, the cost of labour and the increase in the minimum wage.
We pointed out to the Taoiseach how the current and planned increases in the minimum wage are unsustainable and will place businesses under severe pressure.
The minimum wage increases come during a period where sick leave entitlements and pension auto-enrolments are also being introduced.
In response, the Taoiseach said that any further increases in the minimum wage would depend on the economic situation at the time. We left him in no doubt that, as things  stand, the current increase will place enormous strain on family businesses and that supports for the trade need to be introduced.
Sale of Alcohol Bill
While broadly welcoming the Bill, we emphasised how important it is to maintain extinguishment in any new legislation. We lobbied extensively about this issue over the past two years and the Taoiseach confirmed there will be no change to the status quo in any forthcoming 2024 legislation. We also spoke about the need to maintain the courts’ jurisdiction over the awarding of all licences and that discrimination cases must continue to be heard in District courts.
SuccessionÂ
The issue of succession in the pub trade is critical to many of our members and their families. The VFI has been asked by the Taoiseach to develop a proposal, similar in form to the ‘Succession Farm Partnership Scheme’, that will allow small business owners exit the trade in as beneficial a manner as possible.
TransportÂ
 The lack of taxis servicing the night-time economy was also discussed. We highlighted the importance of introducing new solutions to the public service vehicle space (lift hailing services) that allow for a more flexible licence structure and encourage part-time drivers to work at night. The Taoiseach spoke about his positive experience of using such services overseas but stressed the need to ensure vehicles and drivers continue to be properly vetted.
