HAPPY HOUR AGAIN
THE Government yesterday hinted pubs could reopen as early as June 29 – if the spread of the coronavirus is controlled.
Business Minister Heather Humphreys said the “roadmap” was flexible. She added: “There’s no reason why those dates can’t be accelerated.” Horse racing is also predicted to make a return on May 18 with a clarification expected on Tuesday. However, Health Minister Simon Harris has shot down any
DUBLIN could be set to become the tapas capital as a way of “reclaiming summer” if a councillor gets his way.
James Geoghegan, inset, has tabled a motion with Dublin City Council to create outdoor spaces for restaurants and cafes to allow them to cater for more people during the good weather.
The Fine Gael councillor told Brendan O’connor on RTE Radio One his plan had gained the support of councillors, residents’ associations and Tidy Towns committees.
Cllr Geoghegan said: “Six hundred people responded and 87% were in favour of something to enable them to support local businesses, reducing car flow and widening footpaths.
“I’m hopeful this model could be piloted in Sandymount and put across the city.
“I spoke with the chief executive of Dublin City Council on Friday and he’s going to speak to other businesses.
“We have a date for restaurants and cafes [to reopen] June 29. It’s a deadline we can move towards.”
The politician added he was “hopeful” that by the next council meeting on May 11, the authority might move a step closer to providing “Dublin tapas”.
The Government guidelines for lifting restrictions on a phased basis detail that on June 29 cafes and restaurants that can adhere to social distancing measures will be allowed to reopen.