Pub owners say second delay was ‘like a kick in the teeth’

THE incoming President of the Vintners Federation of Ireland has described as ‘devastating’ the Government’s decision not to proceed with the reopening of pubs that don’t serve food on August 10.

Paul Moynihan runs Moynihan’s Bar in Donard and had already spent in excess of €10,000 preparing the pub for reopening only for the Government to decide not to allow pubs to open after considering advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).

‘We were devastated when the Government announced its decision,’ said Mr Moynihan.

‘In the current circumstances I felt that outdoor space was very important so we set about making it more comfortable. We also carried out some work inside just so we would be up to scratch for opening. Now our hopes have been raised, only to be dashed for a second time.’

‘We followed all the guidelines and created a very safe environment. I have no doubt I could open my pub and there wouldn’t be any problems. Donard is a small, rural village. There’s nowhere else for anyone to go. This is a big blow for rural Ireland.

‘Mr Moynihan further believes that pubs and bars seem to have been singled out for unfair treatment.

‘Pubs seem to have been made some sort of scapegoat and I don’t think it’s fair. It’s been proven there have been no cases associated with pubs open for five weeks, so where is the evidence that we cannot go forward as an industry and keep this virus at bay. Most pubs have been closed, yet the virus has been rising. No clusters have been traced back to pubs. Pubs are not the problem.’