€16 million in support is being made available for pubs, bars and nightclubs who've been hit by Covid-19.
Pubs that are currently closed will be able to apply for a grant of up to €35,000 to help them to reopen.
It's after the government increased the Restart Grant by 40% for those who are still unable to open.
The cabinet signed off on the measures after they agreed not to allow all pubs to reopen on Monday.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar says the government is providing special help to these businesses:
"NPHET is working with government on protocols that might allow for the re-opening of pubs in the future if the virus starts going in the right direction but I can't put a date on that for the moment."
It’s been a really difficult few months and today’s news will be hugely disappointing for publicans. This package will help pub owners with the costs of closure and getting ready for re-openinghttps://t.co/ACUx1G8Ln6
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) August 28, 2020
Closure
Gardai have been given the power to close a pub or restaurant breaking Covid 19 laws for up to 30 days.
The Justice Minister says most premises have been complying with the regulations.
But Helen McEntee says there's been an increase in those that aren't - and the new laws will help to tackle that:
"It will allow for them to close a premises for the remainder of the day.
"Where it happens on a second incident, it will allow the Superintendent to go to the district court and apply for a seven day closure.
"Where it happens a third time it will allow for a possibility of closure up to 30 days."
Minister @HMcEntee announces publication of the Criminal Justice (Enforcement Powers)(Covid-19) Bill 2020
Full press release - https://t.co/uaTJDYmLcz— Department of Justice 🇮🇪 (@DeptJusticeIRL) August 28, 2020
License fees
Pubs will have their licence renewal fees waived as part of the new measures announced this evening.
Minister for Public Sector and Reform, Michael Mc Grath says the move applies to all on-trade licence holders , such as pubs, hotels and restaurants.
