Budget 2023 has arrived with Minsters Paschal Donohoe and Michael McGrath announcing the government's spending plans for the year ahead.
Among the myriad of things announced today were updates applicable to Dublin's culture and nightlife, be it restaurants, transport, tourist attractions or late night venues.
Here is how going out in Dublin will be affected following the announcement of Budget 2023.
Read more: Price of cigarettes goes up again by 50c in unwelcome news for smokers
Price of a pint won't increase
The cost of a packet of cigarettes will be hiked by 50c from midnight tonight but alcohol will remain unchanged.
The DIGI (Drinks Industry Group Ireland) previously called for a 7.5 per cent reduction in Ireland’s excise tax rate. According to the DIGI, cuts in taxes on alcohol in the budget may have saved “thousands of jobs”.
A €6 million "night time economy" fund
The night time economy fund will aim to support performances and encourage people to attend late night events.
It will also provide sound proofing grants and support "night time advisers" who will lead reform in the sector across Ireland.
More late night venues?
During today's announcement, Minister for Finance Pascal Donohue lamented the government's plans to support Ireland's night time economy and with that, the application fee for Special Exemption Orders (SEOs) will be halved from €110 to €55.
An SEO is obtained from the District Court for premises to which an on-licence is attached for on the pretence that a special occasion is taking place on the premise.
In other words, bars and nightclubs that wish to extend their opening hours late into the night must have an SEO.
Rising VAT for restaurants, pubs and other hospitality
Minister Donohoe announced that the 9 per cent VAT on hospitality will not be extended beyond February 2023.
The VAT rate will return to 13.5% at this point.
Funding to support Tourism, Arts, Culture, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media sectors
Minister Michael McGrath announced that there would be funds allocated for tourism and culture, among other sectors.
This will include €15 million for Failte Ireland initiatives, €130 million to maintain the Arts Council’s level of funding in 2023, €1.25 million to support Irish as a living language in the Gaeltacht communities, and €4 million for high performance athletes to prepare for the Olympics and Paralympics in 2024.
Reduced public transport fares to be extended
The 20 per cent reduction in public transport fares that was introduced earlier this year are to be extended until the end of 2023.
READ NEXT:
Dublin hairdresser fears VAT increase will see customers turn to shadow economy
Full list of social welfare changes confirmed in Budget 2023
Full list of measures confirmed in Budget 2023 to tackle cost of living crisis
All the big winners in €11bn package announced by Government in Budget 2023
Taoiseach Michael Martin says Ireland is in 'uncertain and difficult times' in social media update
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox
