Guinness raises bar again with helpline

GUINNESS is rolling out free counselling to support publicans, their staff and their immediate families affected by the Covid- 19 crisis.

The brewer said the 24- hour helpline, which also offers financial advice, is part of a € 14million Raising The Bar fund to provide vital emotional support to the trade.

Liam Reid of Diageo Ireland added: “During this difficult time we know publicans and their staff are worried, anxious and in need of practical measures to help them emerge from the longest hospitality lockdown in Europe.

“Guinness is committed to working with our partners in the LVA, VFI and Hospitality Ulster to identify key areas where we can support all those in the sector who continue to be hardest hit as an industry by the effects of the Covid- 19 crisis.

“The hospitality industry plays an essential role in the Irish economy and the impact of Covid- 19 is putting a staggering 114,000 jobs at risk in the sector, equalling a massive 7.6% of Ireland’s total workforce.”

The new helpline will be staffed by a team of counsellors and publicans and their loved ones can use it any time to get essential emotional and psychological support.

Guinness has lined up financial experts who will be available from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland recently warned that more than 100,000 hospitality jobs could be gone by the end of the year and publicans are under considerable strain.

Vintners’ Federation of Ireland chief Padraig Cribben said: “We welcome the support from our partners at Guinness who are standing by the pub trade at this incredibly difficult time.”

Licensed Vintners’ Association chief Donall O’keefe added: “We have sought support from both our suppliers and Government and we welcome the further invaluable, practical measures Guinness are announcing today.”

Almost 5,000 outlets have already registered and availed of supports from the Guinness Raising The Bar fund since its launch here in June.

All contact details for the helpline are available now on www. mydiageo. com

We know publicans and their staff are worried LIAM REID DIAGEO IRELAND YESTERDAY