Rate cuts a start sayhard-pressed pub landlords
CHAIRPERSON of the Kerry Vintners Association Christy Walsh has welcomed a decision to suspend commercial rates for publicans while their premises remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Publicans received a written guarantee from the Government on Friday last stating that they would be exempt from paying rates for the period while the pubs remained closed.
But hard-pressed publicans, who have had to endure a complete loss in income since mid March, want the Government to go a step further and abolish further costs (such as VAT and PRSI commitments) for a six month or twelve month period.
“It’s a small win and a bit of good news that we badly needed at this stage,” Christy said.
“It’s a step in the right direction but we’re not going to be celebrating like mad over it.”
He added that publicans have had to diversify in recent weeks in order to maintain some semblance of normality in their lives and businesses.
Renovation work has been the main activity but the fact that bars and restaurants are likely to be the last establishments to re-open once restrictions are lifted, is making it all the more difficult.
“They’re getting jobs done at the moment but it’s hard on them.
“Vintners in Kerry employ around 5,000 staff, including seasonal workers, and close to 3,000 full-time staff. We want to wish them all the best and to stay safe,” Christy said. SEE PAGES 14 & 15
SINCE 1923 Parker’s Bar in Kilflynn has been part and parcel of village life. Mike Parker is the third generation of the family to run the popular bar along with his wife Geraldine.
At the moment Mike is occupying himself by renovating the beer garden in anticipation of better days to come. Normally, Mike opens the bar each evening at 5pm and to suddenly find himself with excess time on his hands is challenging.
“It took a lot of adjusting to get used to it as the only time we would be closed is Good Friday and Christmas Day. This is the first time we’ve ever been closed this long. It’s a big change in lifestyle,” Mike says.
Mike misses the company of customers the most, and every evening he tries to phone them to see how they’re getting on.
“I would have looked forward to them coming in every evening for the chat and a few pints. For now I just hope all my customers get through this virus safely,” he says.
“I’m lucky to have a great clientele that likes the chat and the bit of banter. Every Sunday morning we call this place ‘ the Dáil’ such is the depth of discussion! My customers miss this, young and old. One thing I’ve discovered is that my younger customers really enjoy listening to the stories of my older customers. That’s a precious thing that’s on hold for now.”
It goes without saying that, financially, this has been a disastrous time for publicans. Some of the breweries have started taking back stock, but this doesn’t create an income.
“We’re kicking the can down the road trying to predict when this will end. There is no date set to open again and, by the looks of it, pubs and restaurants may be the last allowed to open. I’m lucky that I have a good local trade but other pubs may not open again.”
Mike explains that it’s been particularly difficult for rural pubs as the village way of life seems to be receding year on year.
“The creameries are gone, small shops and post offices are gone; the village pub is the only place left where people can meet. The day to day conversations that people enjoyed in my bar is gone and people feel it. My grandparents and parents ran this bar and I hope to carry it to its 100th year - keeping the family tradition going is what’s keeping me going at the moment,” Mike says.