Coronavirus: Limassol municipality rent discount to affected businesses

Businesses in Limassol that have had to temporarily suspend operation in November and December due to coronavirus restrictions are entitled to fee reductions, Limassol Municipality announced on Tuesday.

The first reduction offered is a rent or lease discount on properties owned by the municipality, which will be calculated based on the days that each affected business was closed.

It will amount to 50 per cent of the period during which affected businesses were required to compulsorily close, in keeping with health ministry decrees, and will need to be paid within 30 days of approval.

Fast food restaurants or those who offered delivery services will be granted a 50 per cent discount on the reduction rate corresponding to businesses that did not operate at all.

The second reduction offered by the municipality will be on licenses to use public spaces, such as part of the pavement or a square, for outdoor dining purposes.

No charge will be imposed for the period during which the affected businesses were closed.

For the period when they could operate, and for as long as they will be obliged to have a widely spaced table layout, a 40 per cent reduction will be granted in the charge per square metre allocated for use, based on the existing agreement with the municipality.

The 40 per cent reduction will also apply to the temporary concession of additional public space.

Objections must be accompanied by all the necessary supporting documents, to be submitted by April 30 and evaluated by the municipality’s competent service.

The necessary supporting documents for the examination of all the above reductions are:

• A certificate from an approved Accountant / Auditor that will confirm the period when the specific property was closed, as well as its use until the decree was put in place
• A certificate from the relevant professional association regarding the use of the premises (where applicable)
• Social Security Certificate / Request for assistance / Approval of a grant due to suspension of work
• Additional clarifications which may be deemed necessary by the municipality.

Those interested can contact the Limassol municipality for more information, by calling 77777788 or by emailing [email protected]