Cuts to the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme take effect today - despite the recent announcements of more restrictions.
Many employers will get almost €150 less per week to help pay the wages of each staff member.
There were subsidies of up to €350 a week - but they're now capped at €203.
Padraig Cribben, from the Vintners Federation of Ireland, says it's a hammer blow to the hospitality sector.
"This was announced in the Budget at a time when it was anticipated we would have no restrictions from the 22nd of October.
"It was appropriate at the time, but it's not appropriate now because not alone are the restrictions not gone, there's actually more restrictions there, and as we face into December business is severely restricted."
