AQW 1074/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 07/06/2022
Answered On Date: 22/06/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities (i) for her assessment of the impact, on artists and entertainment venues, of the reintroduction of entertainment licence fees by some councils; and (ii) to outline any support she is planning to provide artists and venues in these areas.

Answer:

In response to the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on the hospitality industry, last year I introduced a temporary nominal fee of £1 for renewal applications for all categories of entertainment licence for the duration of the 2021/2022 financial year.

Earlier this year, following consultation with the councils, I decided to continue with this measure for the 2022/2023 financial year, again subject to review.