Dublin Restaurant Operator Under Fire for Unpaid Taxes
The Office of the Revenue Commissioners is questioning what happened to hundreds of thousands of euros in taxes collected but not paid over by the operator of the Green Hen restaurant in Dublin. The well-known Exchequer Street restaurant is facing serious consequences for its alleged tax evasion.
Tax Clearance Certificate Denied
Ahead of a scheduled court hearing, the Revenue made it clear they would not grant Chequer Catering Ltd, the company operating the Green Hen, a tax clearance certificate. This critical document is essential for obtaining a liquor license, which is vital for the restaurant’s survival. As a result, the company withdrew its application for court protection, and the Revenue successfully petitioned the High Court to appoint a provisional liquidator.
Serving Alcohol Without a License
Adding to the controversy, excise control officers discovered that the restaurant was serving alcohol despite not having a liquor license since September 2022. An affidavit filed by the Revenue includes receipts showing sales of alcohol, including wine and spiced rum, during visits this year.
Wine Suppliers and Financial Irregularities
The Revenue highlighted that several of the company’s creditors are wine suppliers, indicating the significant role alcohol sales play in the business. A report accompanying the abandoned court protection request acknowledged that wine and alcohol sales represented approximately 35% of the restaurant’s overall turnover, a crucial component of its profitability.
In its affidavit, the Revenue expressed concerns about potential financial irregularities. They deduced that the company, controlled by well-known publican Frank Gleeson, and director Ciara Fox, might have operated on an insolvent basis for an extended period. The company reportedly had a turnover of €2.2 million last year and €2.3 million in 2022, yet owed €751,266 in unpaid taxes, spanning from December 2019.
Repeated Seizures and Unsubstantiated Losses
Furthermore, the Revenue repeatedly seized money from the company’s bank accounts and premises.Despite claiming losses of €62,000 over the past two years, the Revenue questioned how the tax debt could have become so substantial. The origin of the taxes collected in 2023 and 2024 but not paid remains unclear.
The Revenue expressed their intention to conduct a thorough investigation into the company’s trading history.
Call to Action
This case highlights the importance of tax compliance and the potential consequences of non-payment. For any business owners facing tax challenges, seeking professional advice from a tax specialist is crucial.