Tap The Journal
Short, sourced pieces on the numbers and rules that run Irish pubs, restaurants and takeaways. One or two a week.
The €552 line: why one extra hour can cost you three
Employer PRSI doesn't rise gently. It steps up on the whole week the moment a staff member crosses €552. Most rosters never check.
Staff costs · 4 minWhat OpenTable actually costs an Irish restaurant
The monthly fee is the small number. The per-diner fee, the contract and the 3.5% on prepaid bookings are where the money goes.
Software · 5 minLate licensing reform: where it stands in October 2026
Four years after the Sale of Alcohol Bill was announced, Special Exemption Orders are still the only way to trade late.
Licensing · 4 minHow to price a dish when food VAT is 9% and drinks are 23%
GP is worked out on the price before VAT. Mix that up and a 70% target quietly becomes 63%.
Menus · 4 min