Longford-Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD, Joe Flaherty, has called on the Government to commence work on a sector specific supports’ package that will provide a lifeline for ‘wet pubs.’
“Whilst deeply disappointed for the many publicans who have now seen their re-opening deferred for a second time, I agreed that we must abide by NPHET recommendations.
“One of the pillars of the existing supports is the suspension of commercial rates, which runs until September 30. If the wet pubs now open as planned at the end of August, they will only get one month’s benefit from the freeze. In contrast pubs serving food will have been back trading and get the benefit of three months rates free.
“March through to August are traditionally the six best months trading for wet pubs. As a minimum, extend the commercial rates freeze to the end of 2020 for the wet pubs and refund them their VAT payments for the period Match-August 2019.
“The Government are examining what supports could be provided. I understand this is now underway. I would urge my colleagues in Government to conclude this examination as soon possible,” Deputy Flaherty asserted.
