‘Wet’ pubs should have a ‘level playing pitch’ for reopening

The announcement of Fáilte Ireland’s new ‘Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme’ was welcomed at this week’s meeting of the Dungarvan Lismore Municipal District, however, it was noted that one group, in particular, were left out.

Local councillor John Pratt welcomed the scheme, which is open to attractions, hotels, restaurants, cafes, public houses and other establishments where food is sold for consumption on the premises, with grants of €4,000 available.

The scheme currently offers applicants the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to 75% (excluding VAT) for the cost of equipment purchased with eligible expenditure including outdoor tables, chairs, umbrellas, electric heaters, screens, windbreakers, plant stands and wooden platforms.

“Hopefully we’re getting to the other side of Covid, but there’s still these establishments are in real need of getting back to a normality of sorts,” Cllr Pratt said.

Councillor Damien Geoghegan pointed out, however, that the traditional, so-called ‘wet’ pubs were excluded from the scheme, stating, ‘I don’t think that’s good enough’.

“I think it’s important that they are also on a level playing pitch and that when they do open up, that they will also be able to avail of a grant which will allow them to put outdoor seating outside their premises as well. I don’t think it should be just restricted to those who serve food,” Cllr Geoghegan said.

He went on to note that the ‘wet’ pubs have taken a ‘big hit’ since the beginning of the pandemic last year.

“I would ask that maybe in addition to the Fáilte Ireland funding, that the Local Enterprise Office, through the various different funds that they have received over the past year, may look to put additional funds in place where we could support the traditional ‘wet’ pub and ensure that they are also playing on an even playing pitch,” Cllr Geoghegan added.

Cllr John Pratt concurred with Cllr Geoghegan and queried whether the distinction between ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ pubs was a necessary one.

NATIONAL POLICY

Head of Enterprise, Richie Walsh informed the council members that he was aware of the exclusion of ‘wet’ pubs from the scheme, however, noted that there was not much the council could do in this case as it was ‘national policy’.

Mr Walsh stated that to provide the even playing field which Cllr Geoghegan had suggested, would require a Section 254 licence and a specific grant scheme, which the council would require a specific budget for, in order to do so.

The Fáilte Ireland Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme 2021 opened this week and can be applied for online through Waterford Council.

It is noted that the provider of the hospitality offering must hold a Section 254 licence in accordance with Section 254 of the Planning and Development Act 200.