Galway City Council has waived Tables and Chairs Licence fees for the hospitality sector until the end of 2021.
The free licence extension applies to both established licences and temporary licences, where road space was reallocated to facilitate social distancing during the pandemic.
There are currently two licence structures for tables and chairs in public places in Galway city.
The first licence is granted on an annual basis under planning legislation, while the second licence was introduced on a temporary basis by Galway City Council under Roads legislation in response to COVID-19.
These temporary licences were introduced on a three-month basis in summer 2020, and were then extended as Covid restrictions remained in place.
For businesses which currently have tables and chairs in place through a Section 254 licence, fees will be waived through a licence extension to the end of 2021.
Normal terms and conditions of the Section 254 licence will apply, including the requirement to renew applications as they expire.
Temporary Tables and Chairs Licenses will be considered for businesses whose primary use is for the selling of food or drink, which already provide seating and tables inside the premises.
Such businesses can apply for a short-term Covid-19 Licence, with no charge for the duration of licence under Section 71 of the Roads Act provided they meet the criteria.
This short term licence will operate until the end of 2021.
