Deficiency in restaurant for VIPs? (8)

I believe the answer is:

notables

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'vips?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

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(Another definition for notables that I've seen is " Celebrities".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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