By Paul Healy
The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) has reacted angrily to the Government’s decision to postpone the planned reopening of pubs next Monday. The VFI said the decision is a shocking development that will have “huge ramifications for family-run pubs across Ireland”.
Publicans in County Roscommon are coming to terms with the news that they will not now be permitted to reopen until August 10th.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said on Wednesday night that Cabinet has agreed that current health measures on Covid-19 should remain in place until August 10th.
VFI Chief Executive Padraig Cribben said: “This is a shocking decision and will be a hammer blow to thousands of pubs and their local communities around the country.
“The vast majority of these pubs are small rural outlets run by families who are on first-name terms with their customers and far removed from the crowded venues that concern NPHET. Publicans are reeling from this news. They did everything asked of them by remaining shut for over four months and our members had a reasonable expectation the sector would reopen next Monday”.
The VFI is now seeking urgent engagement with Government to press the case for a major support package for pubs that will have been closed for five months by the time they are allowed recommence trading.
