Dublin restaurant Shanahan's on the Green is closing down for the foreseeable future.
In a note to suppliers and employees, the owner of the famous Stephen’s Green steakhouse said the company was in an “alarming, almost impossible situation”.
He said the company’s bank accounts had been frozen – and made reference to upcoming meetings with the Revenue Commissioners to repay tax debt accumulated over the COVID-19 lockdowns.
On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Newstalk Business Editor Joe Lynam said customers with bookings are concerned they will not get their money back.
"An impossible situation"
"Basically, the boss John Shanahan has sent a note to employees and suppliers saying there is 'an alarming, almost impossible situation going on' and that they are meeting with the Revenue Commissioners to discuss the repayment of tax debts accumulated during lock downs," he said.
"They are not taking any bookings over the phone or online and there might be an issue with those who paid a non-refundable deposit because they are closed for the foreseeable," Mr Lynam continued.
In reference to the major hospitality protests in Dublin yesterday, Joe said: “This one looks as if it’s about tax warehousing rather than the new costs that were introduced at the start of this year about which there were hundreds of people on the streets yesterday.”
Quick resolution
In the note to staff, Mr Shanahan said: “I feel confident that I will resolve this matter quickly and have all taxes and vendor invoices satisfied quickly."
The dual Irish and US citizen confirmed that, “until further notice, we will have to cease doing businesses as usual”.
He continued: “It may require that fast trip to the States to pull this all together; but fortunately, I’m still above the sod and am up for it! That’s a promise.”
Shanahan's
Located in an 18th-century Georgian-style townhouse, the Shanahan's building has been home many different businesses over the past 100 years.
The property became a restaurant in the mid-80s, with Shanahan's taking over the building in 1998.
The Shanahan's news comes after a spate of restaurant closures across the country.
Shanahans Restaurant, Dublin, Ireland, 26/01/01 Image: Kevin George/Alamy Stock Photo
