Beauty clinics call for VAT cut
Summary
Irish beauty industry leaders are campaigning to reduce VAT on their services from 13.5% to 9%, arguing they were unfairly excluded when hairdressers received this cut. Salon owners and the Beauty Council of Ireland highlight rising costs and the need for support, though EU regulations currently prevent Ireland from lowering the rate without broader legislative changes. An MEP suggests using Ireland’s EU presidency to push for reform, while an economist notes that reduced VAT typically boosts business margins rather than lowering consumer prices.
Topics discussed
Beauty industry calls for VAT reduction to 9%
Context: Hairdressers' VAT cut and exclusion of beauty
Bernie Meehan: Rising business costs in Sligo
Impact on salon operations and potential savings
Beauty Council of Ireland: Campaigning for inclusion
Industry struggles and benefits of VAT reduction
EU VAT directive constraints on Irish policy
MEP Kathleen Funcín: Social and rural impact
Broader supports for small businesses and black market risks
Opportunity for reform during EU presidency
Consumer price impact: Margins vs. lower prices
Alternative targeted measures for business support
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