The Minister spent most of the meeting listening to the concerns of representatives. They gave no indication if the rate would increase or remain at 9 per cent.
One solution that has been canvassed has been to make a distinction in the VAT rate between accommodation, which has experienced a surge in business since the Covid pandemic ended, and the rest of the hospitality business. Sources have said it would be difficult to make such a distinction and that it was not discussed at the meeting.The final call will be political rather than determined solely by the advice from officials. In the past week, officials have recommended that the rate be scrapped.