IT'S GOOD BOOZE FOR PUBS & RESTAURANTS

Alfresco drinking 2 dining as outdoor furniture fees axed

- FERGHAL BLANEY

PUBS and restaurants are set for another bumper summer of al fresco eating and drinking as all fees for outdoor furniture will be waived again this summer. 

Local Government Minister Darragh O’Brien will be in the Leinster House committee rooms today to update TDs and Senators of the tourism committee on his plans.

It normally costs a bar or restaurant €125 in local council fees for every table they wish to put outside their premises.

However, with the hospitality sector on its knees during Covid and in its aftermath, Mr O’Brien scrapped the fees for the summers of 2021 and 2022.

And now, in a major boost for publicans and restaurateurs, Mr O’Brien is set to make life easier for serving outdoors again this year.