Street-furniture fee waiver ‘a drop in ocean of costs’ for the hospitality sector, says Cork restaurateur

A CORK restaurateur has said that a waiver for street-furniture licencing fees is a welcome gesture, but only “a drop in the ocean” in terms of hospitality costs.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien announced recently that he was seeking to waive the street-furniture licence fee for tables and chairs for the remainder of the year.

The regulations, which came before the joint Oireachtas committee last week, would save hotels, restaurants, and other establishments that sell food approximately €125 per table.

“Despite the unpredictable weather, many businesses have retained their outdoor dining offering and we can see outdoor dining thriving in some areas,” the minister said.

“This is just one measure which the Government are taking to support businesses which we know are under pressure. In addition, there is no fee for awnings, canopies, and heaters associated with outdoor dining.

“With a saving of approximately €125 per table, we are removing a financial burden which can place additional pressure on a small café or restaurant.

“I am very glad to extend the provisions of these regulations for 2024,” he said.

Mr O’Brien’s office confirmed that there will be no refunds to businesses that have already paid this year’s licence.

General manager of Tedo Tapas Bar on Princes Street, Agi Baran, said that any saving for businesses is welcome.

“From January until now, in the city, outdoor dining hasn’t been great, so if we could save €125 on each table, it would be really good.

“We’re surviving on money from Christmas time, so any saving in the business right now would be welcomed.

“We are facing higher Vat and increased prices for food we buy and it does build up a lot,” he said.

Ms Baran said that there have been two closures on their street this year, adding “we don’t want that trend to continue.

“We want to stay open, we want to save money in business. Hopefully, that will change for us.”

“We don’t want to see half the city shut down because of charges that increase; it’s just too much,” she said.

Mike Ryan, the Cork chairman of the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) and co-owner of the Cornstore Restaurant, said that every acknowledgment that the sector needs help is welcomed.

“It shows a recognition of the pressure that’s there,” Mr Ryan said.

“It’s a gesture that’s welcomed, but, hopefully, it’ll be a part of the thinking process going forward when considering the Vat rate.

“The restoration of the Vat back to 9% is the game changer, and is the only show in town that will help to prevent some closures,” he added.

Mr Ryan said that the change is “a drop in the ocean of costs that we have right now”, but “it shows that there are certain departments in government that have the back of the hospitality sector.”