Press Release: 19 June 2020
Yoga in Ireland may be breathing its last breath.
A nationwide campaign is launched to resuscitate the Irish yoga industry ahead of World Yoga Day this Sunday, 21st June.
Artwork by Andrew Kavanagh
With their doors closed, and a grim outlook forecasted for an industry that will be adversely affected by social distancing requirements. The Association of Irish Yoga Studios was recently formed to get Ireland’s yoga studios back open, and to keep an industry that was thriving just a few months ago, viable in the future.
They are highlighting that the higher VAT rate for individual service providers has been erroneously applied to yoga studios which are businesses which have fixed overheads, running purpose designed facilities with associated costs, rates, insurance and staff wages.
It is estimated that more than 300,000 people practice yoga regularly in Ireland and rely on yoga for their physical and mental wellbeing. Several yoga studios have closed permanently since April, and the Minister of Finance must act now to save the rest of the yoga industry in Ireland.
Yoga studios have never been properly VAT classified and this incorrect VAT rate is crippling them as facility providers. Unlike yoga studios, gyms had their incorrect classification rectified in 2012.
The face of the local studio and industry will change drastically as we observe social distancing requirements but there is a small window of opportunity for the community to rally together to save these businesses.
“Cut the vat so we can get back on the mat,” said Eveanna De Barra concerned Cork based studio owner
Acting committee members:
Dave Brocklebank, Burren Yoga Retreat 091-637680
Anne Leonard, Bikram Yoga Dublin 0871273069
Ciara Cronin, The YogaRoom 086 8832633
Colm Walsh, Yoga Dublin 086 2622811
Greg Walsh, Samadhi Yoga Studios 087 2393800
Tricia Fleming, Hot Yoga Athlone 086 3763363
Please contact above for further information
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