Salon owners throughout Westmeath have voiced their concerns at the imminent increase in VAT to their sector.
The hairdressing sector is included in the same tax band as the hospitality sector and is set to see its VAT rate increase to 13.5% from 9% on 1 March, along with restaurants and hotels.
The 9% VAT rate was introduced in 2020 in response to the challenges posed by Covid-19.