AN ENNISKILLEN businesswoman has detailed live on Sky News the ‘soaring energy costs and uncertain futures’ in the local hospitality industry.
Speaking during ‘The UK Tonight’ on Monday evening, Charlie’s Bar manager, Una Burns, was part of a panel discussing what Brexit means for Northern Ireland businesses.
“Our electricity bill has gone up by 300 per cent since in comparison to a bill we received two years ago,” Ms Burns told the programme.
“That is for a bar that doesn’t serve food, so you can only imagine if you had a restaurant with a kitchen, those costs are simply crippling businesses.
“We are not in a position to keep absorbing these costs, but equally, we can’t pass that on to the consumer. On top of that our rates are one of the highest in the UK, and in comparison to some, even in the city of London, our rates are higher.
“It’s just not sustainable. The big issue as well is VAT. Our VAT rate is one of the highest in Western Europe.
“The government needs to put in place some measures and a strategy to make this a sustainable business model if they are to keep the hospitality industry alive.”
Ms Burns also maintained that the industry also needs some “new blood and fresh ideas” if it is to bounce back.
“We are fortunate to be celebrating 80a years in business this year but this has not been without its challenges,” she said.
“Hospitality is the bloodline for tourism in Northern Ireland but government support is needed if it is to survive.”
Ms Burns has been in the limelight of late as she also picked up the prestigious ‘Community Hero’ accolade at the ‘Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards’, in recognition of her ‘Charlie’s Bar Christmas Kindness Fundraiser’ which raised money for charity.
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