Irish restaurants are reporting a dramatic increase in diners making bookings and not showing up this Christmas.
Adrian Cummins, Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland said this week that tThe level of ‘no-shows in Irish Restaurants have increased dramatically with the vast majority of restaurants reporting that more than 10 per cent of bookings are no-show bookings. He said that this will affect business and staff in Irish restaurants.
“Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year in Irish restaurants with over 20 per cent of the annual restaurant income being generated in in three weeks. The association is appealing to diners; if you make a booking and decide to cancel please inform the restaurant well in advance.”
Adrian Cummins also said that many restaurants are implementing a €10 per person booking deposit for groups over four for the Christmas season and we will be recommending that this continue as the norm in 2012. The booking deposit is deducted from the bill on payment for the meal.”
He also said that Christmas 2011 is better than last year due to the favourable weather conditions and all restaurants are reporting increased levels of footfall. But spend by diners is down and this can attributed to the recession and the December Budget.
Restaurateurs have adapted to the downturn, by reducing costs and menu prices.
Founded in 1970, the Restaurants Association of Ireland is the professional body of the Irish Restaurant Industry. The primary functions of the Association are to promote and defend the interests of its members. The association has established itself as the representative voice of the Restaurant and catering sector.
The Irish Restaurant industry employs 64,000 people (1 in 4 tourism jobs ) and contributes €2 billion to the Irish economy each year.
• Irish restaurateurs pay the highest catering wage rate in Europe
• Ireland has the highest excise duty on wines in Europe
• Irish food cost inputs are 24% above the European average.
