Judge: Receivership premises have duty to pay rates

Licensed premises in receivership, including hotels, cannot neglect payment of commercial rates to local authorities, a district judge hinted yesterday.

Court-appointed receivers “have a social and moral duty to ensure rates are paid”, said Judge James McNulty. He spoke during an annual liquor licensing hearing at Bantry District Court where hotels, restaurants serving wines, and any licensed premises seeking dance licences require court approval.

Not commenting on any specific application, the judge said he envisaged “an issue will arise shortly on the renewal of [liquor] licences being managed by receivers”.