Yes, it was discussed at length.
Yes, again it was discussed. They told the LVA their reasons when asked.
Well they are a well loved business on the Isle of Man. They have decent staff. It's still a worry if a business like this is losing money.
Who are we talking about here? All of this is very anecdotal. At least, on attending the meeting I did, it wasn't. It was widespread across the industry. Including one operator that particularly surprised, me, as I've mentioned several times now.
Many of these owners and managers have been in the trade for many years and managed to make a living out of it. It's got tighter now, to the extent that many aren't. Have they suddenly become 'clueless'?
With the various taxes, a lot were estimating they are going to be paying around 70% of their income to government. The new minimum wage cap, if pushed through, will put those on minimum wage into the highest tax bracket.
If you read the statement made by the LVA, they're not asking for 'bailing out', they're asking to keep more of the money they earn and let their staff do likewise, by looking at things the Government can do.
If they all take the attitude of some on here, they will all shut up shop. See how the island fares at that point when there's nowhere to go out to eat, drink or whatever other leisure pursuit you want to partake in. If you think people don't want to come or stay here now, it will be a drop in the ocean if that situation comes to pass.