Al freesco dining
Summer boost as fees to serve outside waived
HOSPITALITY businesses are set for another bonanza summer as the Government gets ready to scrap outdoor dining fees.
Irish pubgoers and diners embraced a new way of living last year when the country moved socialising outdoors to accommodate social distancing rules.
And now the trend is set to continue after the Dail passed a motion to refer the decision to a committee to approve the abolition of fees this year.
It will then come back to local government minister Darragh O’brien, who has the final say on the issue.
But the Irish Mirror understands the proposal is already being actively “considered” by the minister – and looks like it has the necessary momentum and backing to get passed. Last summer, health experts advised it would be safer to meet up outside and this led to the hospitality sector adapting.
And it also led to savings for businesses with charges exemptions running into thousands of euro for establishments offering outdoor dining.
The Government ordered the scrappage of fees usually charged for placing tables and chairs on the streets. This led to a Mediterranean-style atmosphere with people eating and drinking outside last summer and autumn – with some good weather helping out.
Fees for outdoor tables vary across the country but, for instance, in Dublin City Council, there is an initial charge of €100 for a licence, space rental of up to €500 and an annual fee of €125 per table after that.
Then, there are associated costs, such as insurance, with most businesses being asked to also obtain Public Liability Insurance for €6.5million. The motion was welcomed last night by hospitality industry representatives.
RAI chief Adrian Cummins told the Irish Mirror: “The Restaurants Association of Ireland welcomes the move to further exempt street furniture licence fees in 2022.
“This temporary measure was welcome during Covid restrictions but now, as we learn to live with Covid, it is a welcome measure by Minister O’brien.
“It will facilitate businesses impacted by increasing costs and inflation to broaden the offering of hospitality and bring it in line with European cities who offer outdoor dining as part of tourism and hospitality.”
The Dail formally passed the street furniture fees exemption without a vote yesterday after it was proposed by the Government Chief Whip Jack Chambers.