Local hospitality businesses in the Midlands region should sign up for the Stay and Spend Scheme, Longford-Westmeath Fine Gael Senator Micheál Carrigy has said.
The Seanad spokesperson on Media, Arts, Sports & Tourism said the tax scheme is aimed at consumers to help drive sales in the hospitality sector during the off-season which has been negatively impacted as a result of COVID-19
Senator Carrigy urged more businesses to register for the scheme online through Revenue’s online service in order to attract customers benefitting from the tax break.
“So far, 14 businesses from hotels to restaurants across Longford-Westmeath have signed up to this fantastic scheme, which comes into effect from today, Thursday, October 1. However, we need to get more onboard.
“Local hotels signed up to the scheme will also help drive national tourism to the area which will have a positive effect on the local economy.
“I would strongly encourage more businesses to avail of this incentive, which provides a maximum of €125 in income tax credits to tax-payers who spend up to €625 in restaurants, pubs, hotels, B&Bs and other qualifying businesses, from Autumn 2020 through to Spring 2021, including over the Christmas period.”
“This Government is determined to support businesses across Ireland which have been adversely impacted by Covid-19.
“While many sectors have taken a hit, the hospitality industry is undoubtedly one of the worst affected by the public health measures which have had to be imposed to stop the spread of the virus.
“We all recognise the pressure and strain that restaurant owners, hoteliers, bar and café owners are under and have taken steps to help them through this difficult period.
“The Stay and Spend scheme will encourage people to go out for a meal or take a staycation and support the Irish hospitality sector by enabling them to claim back 20 percent of their spend.”
Senator Carrigy continued: “The tourism and hospitality sector is so important in this country; We need to protect these jobs and businesses and the Government has put in a range of supports through the July Stimulus plan and other measures to help them recover from the effects of COVID-19.
“For those looking to take a staycation, check out the Revenue website for a list of businesses in other counties registered for the scheme.
“Closer to home, I’m encouraging all eligible businesses to register with Revenue so that they can participate in the scheme next month.”
