Pubs will have their licence renewal fees waived as part of a €16m package for pubs, bars and nightclubs.
Businesses which are still closed can also receive a top-up to the existing Restart Grant.
They can now receive a minimum of €5,600 and a maximum of €35,000 under the Restart Grant Plus.
The Government says this can be used to help additional expense and adaptations associated with re-opening when the time comes.
There is also a waiver of court fees and associated excise and stamp duties relating to the renewal of pub and other liquor licences this year.
This includes:
- Court certificate for renewal of pub licence (where required) - €150
- Public dancing licence - €490 (€335 court fee plus €155 excise duty)
- Public music and singing licence - €150
- Renewal of registration of registered club - €655 (€150 court fee plus €505 stamp duty
- Restaurant certificate - €150
These measures are in addition to the existing Restart Grant Plus, Tourism Adaptation Fund, the Wage Subsidy Scheme, commercial rates waiver and liquidity supports and tax measures.
An overview of supports currently available to vintners (pubs/ bars/ nightclubs). Source: Department of Business, Enterprise and InnovationAnnouncing the plan, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said: "It's been a really difficult few months for pub owners.
"Our publicans are making a massive sacrifice to protect their communities and the Government is determined to help.
"This package, in addition to the grants and subsidies already available, will help pub owners with expenses to do with getting ready for re-opening.
"The increase in the Restart Grant Plus means pubs that are remaining closed will receive a minimum of €5,600.
"We want to make sure that our pubs are in a position to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so."
Tánaiste Varadkar confirms support package for pubs. A €15m package for pubs and hospitality sector. Waiving all licensing and court fees. For pubs that can’t open, there’s a 40% top up on the restart grant. pic.twitter.com/wVuRa2dAgG
— Shane Beatty 🎙 (@ShaneBeattyNews) August 28, 2020
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said: "The Government is acutely aware of the unique circumstances which pub owners find themselves in as a result of COVID-19.
"The package of measures announced today builds on the supports already available and will help to address some of the unique challenges faced by this sector.
"The waiving of court fees, excise and stamp duties in relation to licence renewals is a necessary step in supporting these businesses."
Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath said: "Pubs are an important part of the social fabric of our country and the measures announced today are another support to help them come through this very challenging time and be able to reopen when the time is right."
And Justice Minister Helen McEntee added: "I welcome the financial support measures adopted by Government for pub and restaurant businesses, many of whom have been hardest and longest hit over the last few months.
"Importantly, and especially in light of the enforcement legislation I brought to Cabinet today, it preserves the basis for An Garda Síochána to object to a renewal of a licence where necessary, while at the same time ensuring that the cost to a pub or restaurant owner of renewing their licence is significantly reduced."
Main image: Minister Michael McGrath (centre) announces measures as part of a €16m support package for the pub sector. Picture by: Shane Beatty
