Thu, 29 Jan 2026

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 'Relief' for pubs and hotels as rates revaluation halted

Finance Minister John O'Dowd said he had "listened carefully" to the concerns raised by hospitality.
Finance Minister John O'Dowd has announced a pause on large rates increases for businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector. This decision comes after concerns were raised by business owners that their rates bills would increase significantly from April 1st due to draft property revaluations published last week. The revaluation process was intended to ensure fairness in the rates system, but O'Dowd said he wanted to allow local businesses to thrive. Businesses such as pubs and hotels, which were set to face huge rate increases, have welcomed the decision. Ciaran Smyth, owner of Voodoo, Orisha, and Phoenix Bar in Belfast, said he is "next to overjoyed" at the pause. Colin Neill, Hospitality Ulster's chief executive, described it as a "relief" that could have been the "death knell" for the industry. The decision means next year's business rates will be calculated using the current valuation, resulting in smaller rate increases for many businesses. Publican Ciaran Smyth said the announcement has had a huge impact on his businesses and employees, but there won't be time to celebrate. Sean McLaughlin, Director of Fullerton Arms and Guesthouse Inn in Ballintoy, described it as "a bit of a shocker", but was delighted that businesses were listened to. The hospitality industry has been facing significant challenges, including inflation, post-Covid customer numbers, staff shortages, and potential rates increases. The pause on rate increases is seen as a step towards addressing these issues. Hospitality Ulster and the NI Chamber have welcomed O'Dowd's announcement, while DUP finance spokesperson Diane Forsythe said it represents "not just a change in policy but also of tone".
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