A local restaurant owner says the last 6 months has been the toughest period he's had in business.
Sham Hanifa runs restaurants in Carrick on Shannon and Jamestown.
He's been in business for 18 years but says recent months have been extremely challenging.
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He says the cut in the VAT rate for the hospitality sector, which is due to come into effect from July, is very welcome news for restaurant owners:
