No licence refund...for now

THE Environment Agency have confirmed that they are not currently offering out refunds for fishing licences as a result of the current COVID-19 lockdown.

There have been growing calls on social media for the Agency to provide some compensation to anglers, who have not been able to get out on the bank due to social distancing laws.

A spokesperson from the EA told Angling Times:

“We do not know how long the restrictions on movement will apply and so do not know what impact Coronavirus will have on people’s opportunities to go fishing over the rest of the year.

“We are not currently offering a refund on licences or other options such as extending the period of time a licence is valid. We are, however, continuing to review the situation and will take any action at the appropriate time.

“In the mean time we urge anglers to follow government guidelines on leaving the house only when necessary.”

For all the latest updates on how Coronavirus will impact your fishing, head to our ‘Lockdown Lowdown’ page.