The Government has decided to extend a waiver of court fees and excise duties for vintners for another year.

The decision applies to three types of fees for 2021:

• Court fees relating to the renewal of specified pubs and other liquor licences,
• Excise and stamp duties associated with those court fees, and
• Excise duty for on-trade liquor licences on renewal in 2021.

The announcement came as President Higgins yesterday (21 July) signed into law legislation allowing the reopening of indoor hospitality from Monday 26 July, for those who are fully vaccinated against, or recovered from, COVID-19.

Savings of €10 million

Minister for Justice, Heather Humphreys, said that the move was a signal of support for an industry that had suffered a “devastating” impact from COVID-19 restrictions.

Pubs, bars, nightclubs and restaurants will all benefit from the measure, with the Government estimating total savings of €10 million for the sector.