NO SHOWS HAVE A COST

No Shows in Irish Restaurants Costing Businesses.

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 today “The level on No-Shows in Irish Restaurants have increased dramatically with the vast majority of restaurants reporting 10% plus, no-show bookings. This will affect business and staff in Irish Restaurants.”

“Christmas is one of the busiest times of year in Irish Restaurants with over 20% of the annual restaurant income being generated in in 3 weeks. The Association is appealing to diners; if you make a booking and decide to cancel please inform the restaurant well in advance.”

Deposits.

Adrian Cummins also said “Many restaurants are implementing a €10 per person booking deposit for groups over 4 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.”

The Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland 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.

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.
  (source ‘Cost Of Food Preparation Report’, commissioned by Fáilte Ireland) 

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.