The Government is being called on to address the needs of publicans after it emerged that a grant aimed at supporting outdoor dining isn’t available to those who don’t serve food.
Cafes and restaurants will be able to get a grant of up to 4,000 euro to set up an outdoor dining space in time for the fine weather beginning.
It comes as the council has confirmed its to waive charges for seating outside businesses.
Before the pandemic, businesses who offered outdoor dining to customers were obliged to pay an annual licence.
This meant that a cafe with four tables, for example, would have to pay 500 euro a year to the local authority.
Last year, as part of efforts to support the local economy, Clare County Council waived these charges and that approach will continue this summer.
The move comes as the Government has announced grants of up to 4,000 euro for cafes and restaurants to set up an outdoor dining space ahead of the fine weather.
But so-called wet pubs won’t benefit, as the support isn’t currently available to them.
Ennis Chamber has said this is unfair to local businesses and has questioned whether it will spell the end of the pubs in towns and cities.
Former Mayor of Clare, Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy believes these businesses are an essential part of our local economy and cannot be ignored by Government.
An Ennis business owner has commended the Government and Clare County Council for putting supports in place that have allowed many businesses to stay afloat during the pandemic.
But Frank Landy of Sweet N’Green in Ennis says wet pubs are a part of our social fabric and measures should be taken now to ensure that every business can re-open their doors when the lockdown is lifted.
He fears it will be some time until businesses will be able to fly solo in the wake of the pandemic.
