‘Devastated’ by latest Covid closure
PETER King of Kings Glenealy was left ‘devastated’ at the announcement that all Counties were to be placed under Level 3 Covid restrictions by midnight yesterday (Tuesday, October 6).
All counties, including Wicklow, will be at Level 3 for a period of three weeks until midnight on October 27, at which point the situation will be reviewed by the government, based on the status of the virus and public health advice.
Pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés may remain open for takeaway and delivery and outdoor dining only, to an absolute maximum of 15 people.
Peter King feels the latest restrictions are a further blow to the hospitality trade.
‘I will have to close now for three weeks. I was completely devastated when I heard the news. We only reopened on September 21, after being shut since March 15. That was a long time to be closed. I suppose it’s better to close now and be open for Christmas, rather than the possibility of being closed. I would still be hopeful that the restrictions will be lifted to give us a bit of a run at the Christmas stretch, which is always once
of the busier times of the year.’
Kings is the only pub located in Glenealy and the premises had been welcoming a steady flow of customers since reopening.
‘Our customers were delighted when we reopened. We had some regulars in here on Monday night who were very disappointed by the latest Government announcement. We were doing very well. Our first weekend back was excellent. Things then calmed down a bit but I was happy enough with how things were going. Hopefully, there will be a drop in Covid cases over the next three weeks so we can reopen in time before Christmas.’