Boost after outdoor dining licence fee waived for 2025

80 restaurants and bars in Cork will be pleased that the Government has decided to waive the outdoor dining licence fee for 2025.

The €125 fee, which applies per table and four chairs, has now been waived for the fifth year in a row and is a boost to hospitality businesses in the county.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne, confirmed the waiver on Friday in response to a parliamentary question by Fianna Fáil Cork North Central TD Padraig O’Sullivan.

In 2024, with 267 outdoor dining licence issued in Dublin city, 48 in Galway, 38 in Limerick, and 24 in Kilkenny, as well as 80 in Cork.

RAI Chief Executive Adrian Cummins said: “We are of course happy to hear that the outdoor furniture licence fee has been waived again for 2025, as it has been for the past number of years. This charge would otherwise place an additional cost burden on businesses already facing incredibly difficult trading conditions, so its waiver is welcome.”

“We’ve been actively engaging with Government and Oireachtas members on this issue and we appreciate that our concerns have been listened to. This is a modest but meaningful measure that will help ease some pressure on the food-led hospitality sector,” he said adding that the fee should be abolished.

“Outdoor dining is now a core part of the hospitality offering. In towns and cities across Ireland, particularly during spells of good weather, people want to sit outside while dining. This should be encouraged, not penalised.”

“Currently, the licence fee is €125 per table and four chairs, with an extra €100 to €200 administration fee depending on the local authority. In some areas, an added spatial fee can significantly drive up the cost.”

“This is a welcome move, but it’s only a small part of what’s needed. We now look ahead to the reinstatement of the 9% VAT rate in Budget 2026, as promised, along with further supports to alleviate the growing cost burden on businesses. The food-led hospitality sector remains on its knees and that’s clear for anyone who takes the time to look around,” he added.

Minister Browne said: “This is a pro-business and a pro-tourism Government and I want to give small businesses and the hospitality sector every bit of help we can to deal with costs, build their businesses and continue to create employment. That is why I intend to waive the outdoor furniture licence fee for 2025. Saving businesses up to €125 a table, this is a constructive and helpful step.”