Over 20,000 jobs at risk in the drinks sector according to report

22,500 jobs are at risk in the drinks sector due to Covid-19, according to a new report.

It's also shows pubs are on track for a 50% decline in business for the rest of this year due to higher unemployment and reduced earnings.

Bodies that represent pubs are calling for cuts to the VAT rate to help the 7,000 around the country.

Report author, DCU Economist Tony Foley, says they want it slashed for drink and food to an equal rate of 9%.

"It's 23% served in a pub, and in terms of food it/s 13.5%.

"But there's an EU provision which allows pubs to have a levy of VAT which is at the same rate as food.

"The expectation is that 13.5% will be dropped to 9% in the Government's stimulation plan, so the proposal is that the serving of alcohol in pubs and bars should be down to 9%."