Ó An Roinn Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta
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The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD, the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe TD the Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath TD, and Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD, today announced a further €16 million support package to help pubs, bars and nightclubs, recognising the economic impact of COVID-19 on their businesses and to assist planning and adaptation for their reopening.
These measures are in addition to the existing Restart Grant Plus, Tourism Adaptation Fund, the wage subsidy scheme, commercial rates waiver, liquidity supports and tax measures (such as warehousing of tax debt and reduction in VAT).
The Tánaiste 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 reopening. 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."
Minister for Finance 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 and Reform Michael McGrath said:
"The past few months have undoubtedly been really difficult for publicans and their staff, particularly for those who have been unable to trade for public health reasons. 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."
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said:
"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 Siochana 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."
ENDS
The Restart Grant Plus gives grants to businesses to help the adapt, re-open their business and get back to work. It provides a minimum payment of €4,000 and a maximum payment of €25,000 based on the rates bill of the enterprise in 2019. The increase to 40% will now provide a minimum of €5,600 and maximum payment of €35,000. To qualify for the scheme, enterprises must have 250 employees or less; turnover of less than €100,000 per employee; and reduced turnover by 25% as a result of COVID-19. Applications are through Local Authorities.
The relevant court fees, excise duty and stamp duty are as follows:
The rate of excise duty on renewal of an on-trade licence is based on the annual turnover of the premises based on alcohol sales only.
| Support | Pubs/Bars/Nightclubs |
| Wage Subsidy Scheme | Weekly payment of up to 85% of net pay and from September a flat rate up to €203 per employee to assist with wage costs |
| PUP | Weekly payment of up to €350 with level based on previous income and tapered payment to March 2021. |
| Commercial Rates Waiver | Commercial rates waived for a six-month period |
| Restart Grant Plus | Minimum grant of €4k and maximum grant of €25k based on rates bill. Enhanced grants are available to businesses in Counties Offaly, Laois and Kildare. |
| Liquidity Supports | Variety of liquidity measures put in place. |
| Tax Measures | Measures including warehousing of tax debt and reduction in headline VAT rate from 23% to 21%; Stay and Spend initiative |
| July Stimulus Measure | €10 million for Tourism Adaptation Grant |