The group representing some 4,500 non-Dublin publicans has described a No vote in the upcoming fiscal treaty referendum as “dangerous” and has called for a Yes vote.
Vintners’ Federation of Ireland president Gerry Mellett said a No vote would “only lead to more instability and less confidence.” This was something the pub sector “blatantly does not need” he said today.
Small business such as pubs would only invest and maintain jobs if there was “economic stability and confidence in the future”, he said.
“A Yes vote should provide a platform for investment, growth and recovery. A No vote is too dangerous and may only add to our stark economic difficulties,” Mr Mellett said.
Only a Yes vote could deliver measures to help the consumer confidence needed by the hospitality sector, he added.
Consumer confidence “will come from clarity in respect of upcoming measures, certainty around the mortgage situation and future state funding,” Mr Mellett added.
The federation also called for a clear and concise information campaign so people could make an “educated decision”. Clear information would also help people to “ steer clear of misinformation and rhetoric which has dogged previous referenda”, the federation said.
