LVA Calls On Govt. To Halt Special Exemption Fees For Late Night Venues For 6 Months.

Tuesday, 28 September 2021 12:54

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

More from National News

Sharp Rise In M9 Collisions With Garda Call-Outs Up Year-On-Year

The figures, provided by An Garda Síochána, show a sharp increase compared to previous years.
Councillor Seeks Clarity On How Often Nightclubs and Late Bars In Naas Are Inspected For Fire Risks

Kildare Fire Service says all venues applying to renew their annual dance licence through the District Court were inspected in advance of the hearings.
New Figures From CSO Reveal How Much International Protection Applicants Earn Compared To Average Worker In Ireland

The data also found that a majority of asylum seekers entered the workforce once permitted to do so
Unpaid Eight-Month Work And Training Placement For Adults With Disabilities Branded "Extremely Unfair"

One Kildare mother told Kfm News that their child had been attending structured placements each weekday, typically from around 9:30am to 3pm, and in some cases carrying out tasks for up to two hours at a time - but are not receiving any form of payment.
Department Of Education Defends Kildare SNA Cuts Amid Claims Of Reduced Need At Some Schools

They said there "are many reasons why the level of need for SNA support in schools may fluctuate including falling enrolments, reduced or increased care needs and changing demographics as children move from primary to post-primary schools".
Naas Nurses Threaten Escalation As Staffing Row Deepens

Nurses spoke to Kfm News this week about issues they are dealing with on a daily basis.
Driving Tests Face Disruption As RSA Testers To Strike Next Week

The driving test centre in Naas is the only driving test centre in Kildare and attracts candidates from Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow and Laois.
Jury Delivers Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity Verdict In Ballyfin Demesne Strangling Case

31-year-old Henry McGowan, from Brooklyn, New York, was found to be having a psychotic episode when he strangled his father to death at the 5-star hotel.