Publicans shocked by decision to delay reopening of bars

The postponement of the reopening of pubs by a further three weeks following a meeting of the Cabinet last night has been met with dismay by pub owners.

The Government's plan had initially been to move to Phase 4 on July 20, which would have permitted pubs to reopen - while adhering to strict guidelines - but phase 3 has instead been extended to August 10.

The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) described the "development" as "shocking" and one "that will have huge ramifications for family-run pubs across Ireland".

VFI Chief Executive Padraig Cribben says: “This is a shocking decision not to proceed with the planned reopening of pubs 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. As controlled venues we believe these pubs should be allowed open as they are far safer than the likes of uncontrolled house parties and pose little threat to public health.

“We are in a situation where restaurants and pubs already open are having to cope with larger crowds. Opening all pubs would allow for better social distancing and reduce the risk of infection.

“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. All other phases went smoothly so to now tell publicans they can’t open like the rest of the hospitality sector makes little sense. This is a decision made by politicians who appear divorced from reality about life in rural Ireland.”

The VFI is 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.

“You can’t expect small businesses to survive a five-month closure,” continues Padraig Cribben. “The Government will need to announce a series of measures to support our members, including significant grants valued between €20,000- €50,000 based on a pub’s licence band.”

A Cavan Town publican was philosophical about the setback but was critical of the timing of the announcement. Mickey Mooney, who owns the Slieve Rossa at foot of College Street, tweeted:

"The decision to keep us closed while hard to take I can live with but to let us know so late with stock rooms full again throughout the country is disgraceful.There is a need now for serious support for our sector."

The following is the Taoiseach's statement outlining the main changes.

"My Government and I have received very sobering advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team. The concern about the rise in the number of cases over recent weeks is very real.

"The R number, which we have all become familiar with, has now risen above ‘1’ in this country.

"And the international situation, with almost a million and a half cases reported in just the last week, represents a growing worry.

"Taking these factors into consideration, today the Cabinet agreed that the current public health measures should remain in place until 10 August. We have agreed that the country will now NOT be progressing to Phase 4 of the Revised Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business.

"The priority now must be to get that R number back below ‘1’. By doing so we will give ourselves the best chance possible to fully reopen our schools in late August.

"It is also a critical step in the process of making sure that essential non-Covid healthcare continues as quickly as possible.

"With this goal in mind, I would now like to set out five steps that the Government has decided we must now take to further protect public health.