Government is considering deferring restaurant payroll tax in a bid to help restaurateurs overcome “tremendous financial challenges”, Finance Minister Paula Cox announced today.

She said the idea came about in a meeting between Finance Ministry officials and delegates of the Restaurant Division of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce this week.

“All restaurants are going through a particularly difficult situation and the Ministry is considering signing a memorandum of understanding with the Restaurant Division of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce in connection with a temporary deferral of payroll tax,” she said.

“This temporary deferral will apply to all restaurants and will not be limited to members of the Restaurant Division of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce.”