The drinks industry is calling for a temporary VAT reduction on alcohol sales in pubs, restaurants and hotels in order to safeguard jobs and allow businesses to get back on their feet.

The current rate of 23% is regarded by the the Licensed Vintners Association, the Vintners Federation of Ireland and Drinks Ireland as extremely high by EU standards.

Padraig Cribben, CEO of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, and Eunan McKinney, Head of Communications and Advocacy at Alcohol Action Ireland, joined us to give their views on this.