The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Kerry Vintners: “We must do something to help pubs”
THE Kerry Vintners Association are supporting radical plans by the national body for the re-opening of pubs and bars in June, rather than in the later date of August 10.
The plans which are a joint initiative by the vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) and the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) include putting a limit the number of people on the premises; a ban live music; and making pubs table service only.
These plans are to be put to Health Minister Simon Harris later this week in a bid to allow the pub trade to re-open on June 29 in line with restaurants rather than in the final phase of the roadmap on August 10.
Chairperson of the Kerry Vintners Federation, Christy Walsh, said that these proposals are to allow a “level playing field” for all pubs and restaurants.
“We feel that any difference between restaurants that serve food and drink and pubs that do the same is ridiculous.”
He said the guidelines drawn up between the two trade bodies are similar to that of restaurants and thus would allow pubs to open on the same proposed date.
However, he conceded that such plans would not work for all pubs.
“It is not a one cap fits all scenario. It will not work for everyone ... But something has to be done to help the industry.”
Cllr Niall ‘Botty’ O’Callaghan, whose runs the Failte in Killarney has strongly criticised the proposals and believes they will not work as it is not feasible to open pubs with limited capacity and under such constraints as it would nt be financially viable.
“They make no sense. That would mean we could have 20 people in the Failte and we would have staff walking the floor, in the toilets... Don’t tell me we can open the doors when there is not enough coming in.”
He is calling for the sector to ‘bailed out’ and grants to be offered for businesses to remain closed.