349 PUBS FORCED TO CLOSE SINCE PANDEMIC HIT
THE severe toll of Covid on the pub industry has been made clear, as new figures have revealed that 349 pubs have closed for good since the pandemic started.
And according to the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) and Licensed Vintners Association (LVA), there has been a 5% drop in pub licence being renewed.
The figures, which were taken from an analysis of licence renewals published by the Revenue Commissioners, show pubs have closed across the country, with Cork losing 37 while Dublin lost 33 public.
Donegal also lost 33, while in Kerry 22 pubs have not renewed their licences.
In light of these new figures, both the VFI and LVA say it is critically important that restrictions on trading are removed as planned on Friday of this week, amid fears that rising numbers of Covid-19 cases will delay the easing of these regulations.
October 22 was due to be the date when nightclubs would reopen, while the remaining restrictions on other businesses such as pubs and restaurants would also be lifted.
VFI chief Padraig Cribben said the data shows the dramatic impact Covid has had on the trade over the past 19 months. To lose 5% of pubs in such a short period is unprecedented and underlines how the trade bore the brunt of pandemic restrictions. Mr Cribben said: ‘In light of recent speculation about delaying the ending of restrictions, the news that pubs are closing across the country will only heighten anxiety in the trade.
‘Uncertainty is a key factor in why so many pubs have closed, so Government must put an end to the crisis by announcing the easing of restrictions will proceed as planned.’
Meanwhile, LVA chief Donall O’Keeffe pointed out that these pubs closed even when Government financial supports were in place.
He also warned that a delay to lifting restrictions on Friday will be the last straw for many remaining businesses.
Mr O’Keeffe added: ‘We think the reopening of latenight hospitality, and the return of the bar counter, the end of mandatory table service and a resumption of normal trading hours, should proceed next Friday.
‘If access is limited to those who have been vaccinated there is no justification for not proceeding the easing of the rest of the restrictions.
‘With more than 90% of the adult population vaccinated and vaccine passes likely to remain in place, if we can’t allow hospitality to trade relatively normally now, then when will we ever be able to?’
He continued: ‘Anticipation is high ahead of the lifting of [restrictions on] October 22 for the simple reason that publicans are desperate to get back to normal trading.
‘Many pubs and other hospitality businesses have been hanging on for this moment, and any further delays will be a step too far for some.’
He also said the Government ‘needs to recognise delays will push more businesses over the edge where they will join the 349 pubs that have already been lost during the course of the pandemic’.
VFI president Paul Moynihan recently said: ‘I will do all in my power to fight for pubs to open together and be treated fairly. Pubs should be allowed open at the same time and with the same guidelines as all other hospitality.’
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said a decision on whether or not to proceed with the full lifting of restrictions will be made at tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting.
‘Government must end this crisis’