The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) says 120,000 jobs are at risk in the sector in the months ahead due to the coronavirus.
It has launched a nine-point recovery plan for the Irish restaurant sector.
Over 90% of restaurants are currently closed here.
The association has outlined immediate supports it says are needed to help its members.
It says there should be a 0% VAT rate for tourism and hospitality for the period of the crisis, and for 12 months thereafter.
While it is calling for legislation to protect commercial lease holders and any mortgage holiday or write-offs to be passed on to the lease holder.
And it says there should be no banking fees for hospitality until a vaccine to the virus is found.
It also says a package of measures from the Department of Businesses should be put together to cover outgoings in the first six months following the return of normal trading.
It is calling for a commercial rates write-off for the full crisis period until a vaccine is found - as well as a ban on utility providers cutting off services.
And the RAI says there should be a waiver of licences for outdoor tables and chairs for one year, to allow businesses to re-open and adapt to social distancing.
RAI CEO Adrian Cummins said: "Our plan which is the only viable solution for restaurants is on the desks of ministers and departments.
"We are seeking urgent action to save and recover our industry as nine out of 10 restaurants face permanent closure in the months ahead without urgent action".
