Licensing fees waived for Antrim and Newtownabbey businesses

The decision was taken at a meeting of the council’s Operations Committee on Monday evening in response to the “significant impact of the Covid pandemic”.

Councillors heard that many of those requiring entertainment licences have either been unable to trade or had limited trade due to restrictions.

Businesses have been asked to reapply as normal before current licences expire.

Councils can claim the loss of income from the Department for Communities.

Commenting on the proposal, Sinn Fein Councillor Annemarie Logue said: “I’m sure this will be very welcome among the hospitality sector who are finding it very difficult at the minute.”

Alliance Cllr Billy Webb MBE stated that he was in favour of the exemption noting that it was worth £23,000.

Committee Chair Cllr Robert Foster said: “It is only right we see businesses through this difficult period.”

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter.

Click here to read: Antrim and Newtownabbey Council’s nett worth £92.3m

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