Over 300 bars and nightclubs are due to reopen on October 22nd.
The Licensed Vintners Association is calling on the Government to halt special exemption fees for late night venues for the first six months of reopening.
It says the charge will limit the number of nights businesses open late, slowing the sectors recovery.
Aoibhin Meghen reports:
"Pubs and nightclubs will have to hand over more than 2.2 million euro in total in late opening charges before they can even reopen.
That's according to the Licensed Vintners Association, who want fees for special exemption orders, which allow hospitality to trade for an additional two-hours, to be waived for six months.
Over 300 bars and nightclubs are due to reopen on October 22nd.
Dave Morrissey, owner of the Lost Lane bar in Dublin, says this charge is a huge cost for businesses after 18 months of closure:
Chief Executive of the LVA, Donall O'Keefe says maintaining these fees could have an impact across the nightlife sector:
The LVA want a temporary measure adopted similar to the current liquor license waiver in order to allow the sector time to recover."
"It is a bit of a surprise that these businesses, having done all that was asked of them during the pandemic, are now facing what effectively amounts to a Government tax of more than €2.2 million to allow them to open their doors again."https://t.co/a9deJlcUA9
— LVA (@LVADublinPubs) September 28, 2021