MANY PUBS IN THE REGION WILL NOT SURVIVE IMPACT OF THIS VIRUS LOCKDOWN

‘Categorically, some pubs will never open again.’

That is the reality for the licensed trade when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted to an extent which allows businesses to start operating once more, according to the chairperson of the Louth Vintners Federation.

And for those who plan to re-open Colette Nugent said clear guidance or a road map from the government is needed as well as support on a variety of issues.

‘At the end of the day we don’t want to be mealy-mouthed. We are not trivialising the situation, and are very supportive of our front-line workers, but pubs were one of the first businesses to voluntarily close, and look like being the last to re-open.’

On the latter point, she said there are mixed messages coming from the authorities, with no clear plan.

‘In New Zealand, they have set out different stages (of getting back to work), but we don’t have that.

‘I understand the government are not fortune tellers, and that it’s a fluid situation. There are so many variables to the pandemic.’

However, Colette, of the Market Bar (pictured) in Drogheda, pointed out that pubs can’t open up again in the space of 24 hours from a logistical point of view as much as anything else.

Last week Minister for State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government John Paul Phelan confirmed that the government is suspending commercial rates for the duration that pubs are closed.

The government had previously said that rates would be deferred until 31 May. However, it has since become clear that pubs in particular will be closed for much longer than initially anticipated.

Colette, head of the Louth branch of the VFI which has 121 members, welcomed that announcement, but stressed further help is required.

‘We need more assistance on VAT and zero per-cent interest on bank loans.’

She is critical of the insurance industry, remarking that members have policies clearly indicating they are covered but nothing has happened.

‘Huge premiums have been paid. The insurance companies should step up.’

Colette, 34 years in Drogheda after her family previously ran pubs in Lobinstown and Castleblayney, pointed out of the 7,000 pubs in Ireland, many are family-run.

‘ There are 50,000 employees who have mortgages and bills to pay. While we appreciate the €350 (COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment) they are getting, they won’t survive on it.

‘ That is why we need a leg-up, breathing space so we can bring staff back on board and off the Live Register.’

Unfortunately, she is certain some of her colleagues won’t be returning to the trade.

‘Categorically, some pubs will never open again.’

She said that even before the crisis many in the business were ‘just holding on and getting by’.

‘A lot of publicans are not paying themselves a wage.’

And for those bars that do welcome customers in the future, there is the risk that socialising habits will have changed.

‘ That is a huge concern and worry for us,’ agreed Colette, who has been chairperson for four years having succeeded Dundalk-based Greg Gormley.

She said a lot of pubs don’t serve food so haven’t got that to fall back on.

‘We can’t compete with supermarkets on price, but going to a pub is one of the top five tourist attractions in Ireland.

‘It’s not just about pouring pints. We offer so much more.

‘Only time will tell if people come back. It’s up to us. We have to deal with that.’

She is of the opinion social distancing might be more controllable in smaller pubs in that people would get used to it.

‘Some publicans might not be sure how cost-effective this might be, while others would only be too willing to give it a try.’

‘My father is 86-years-old and for him to walk in and see an empty pub is heart-breaking.’