Government waives outdoor seating fees and take-away restrictions for eateries

The Government has today announced the waiving of fees for outdoor dining street furniture for the rest of 2021.

In addition, it has approved planning exemptions to allow restaurants operate as takeaways for the remainder of this year.

A third set of regulations is also being brought in to provide for the erection of awnings and coverings for outdoor dining without a need to apply for planning permission.

The measures, which are designed to assist restaurants and cafés amid the pandemic, were announced today by Darragh O'Brien, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

"We are all aware that the hospitality and restaurant sector, and indeed the wider tourism sector, have suffered the brunt of the Covid-19 pandemic, both this year and last year," said Minister O'Brien.

"We know this summer will see a lot of outdoor dining and these regulations will offer some respite to businesses who otherwise would pay significant street furniture licence fees and have to make planning applications for coverings and awnings," he stated.

"Government are committed to providing necessary supports to assist these sectors as much as is possible with a view to facilitating their recovery as the current restrictions are eased and eventually lifted over the coming summer months."