Partial rates exemption for sports club with bars

The move by the Department of Finance to hand sports clubs with bars, or other commercial facilities, a partial exemption on their commercial rates has met with approval from Senator Tony Mulcahy.

He received confirmation from Minister of State at the Department, Simon Harris that he will be introducing an amendment to the Valuation Bill, which will give way to the change.

“At present sports club facilities are exempt from rates. However, where a sports club has a bar all of its premises are valued for rates purposes including buildings that are purely for sporting purposes. This situation is seen as placing an unfair burden on many local clubs that are a key part of their community,” explained Senator Mulcahy.

The Fine Gael senator said, “Under this amendment, community sports clubs will only be liable for rates on buildings that are used for the generation of income. If a sports club’s only commercial facility is the bar then it is only the bar and ancillary facilities that will be rated. This is in contrast to the current situation where a club that has a bar pays rates on all of its premises.

He further added. “I am looking forward to reading the amendment when it is published and having discussions with the Minister to ensure that all clubs benefit from this measure. This will be particularly important where a club’s building has a multipurpose use and despite being used primarily for sporting activities, also has the possibility of generating a commercial income”.