THE EXIT STRATEGY
Publicans say they should be treated like restaurants and cafes — and expect to be back six weeks ahead of road-map schedule
‘It’s very simple, pubs should open at the same time as restaurants’
PUBS could be allowed to open sooner than anticipated this summer if they show they can observe strict public health and social distancing guidelines.
The road map to reopening the country published last Friday listed pubs and bars as among the last to reopen from August 10 under phase five of the plan.
However, publicans say they expect to be able to open on June 29, alongside restaurants and cafes. This would be six weeks earlier than envisaged under the Government’s road map to lift the virus lockdown.
Several ministers pressed for some bars to be allowed open sooner at the Cabinet meeting last Friday and now believe the Taoiseach is receptive to the idea.
A senior Government source said: “This will be constantly evolving. If the publicans think they can reopen the same way restaurants can and serve food, come and talk to us.”
While the possibility of packed bars and pubs has been ruled out, the Government believes some pubs that serve food could reopen with tables and seats appropriately spaced and staff offering a table-only service.
“These are the sort of conversations we can have,” the source said. “But it’s all contingent on the virus and whether we can move forward.”
Publicans have been exploring how they will ensure social distancing is enforced in bars once they do reopen, with some looking at how to install temporary snugs or use Perspex to keep patrons safely segregated. Others have examined how one metre distancing could be enforced at tables through using furniture that is fixed to the floor, or seats that do not come away from tables while limiting or preventing standing in pubs.
The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) said it is keen to engage with the Government and the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) about the road map.
VFI chief executive Padraig Cribben said distinctions cannot be drawn between pubs and other licensed businesses in the hospitality sector.
“It’s very simple, pubs should open at the same time as restaurants and cafes. The Government can’t discriminate for one type of hospitality outlet over another.
“If social distancing guidelines work for restaurants, they can also work for pubs. We expect pubs to open on June 29 along with restaurants.
“We’re encouraged the Government has said it would welcome talks with vintners and we’re very keen to work with the Health Minister to develop workable guidelines. There’s a window of opportunity over the coming weeks so I’m optimistic we can find a solution. Everyone should have the chance to open at the same time – that’s all we’re asking for.”
Speaking on RTE’s The Late Late Show last Friday night, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar raised the possibility of senior All Ireland championships taking place later in the year. Under the plan to reopen the country, sports teams will be allowed to train in small groups in phase two once they adhere to social distancing. Sporting activity can take place behind closed doors in phase three and competitive action is envisaged to return in stage four but only with a cap on the number of spectators.
GAA officials are to meet this week to discuss the developments and have remained hopeful of holding championships this year — however late. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has extended the cessation of games until at least May 18 and remains in contact with health officials and its European governing body, Uefa.
Rugby is not due to return until stage five of the plan, on August 10, when it is hoped theatres, cinemas, bingo halls and shopping centres will also be able to reopen.
An August return for retailers in major shopping centres will mean many of these businesses will have been shut for five months before reopening.
Retail Excellence yesterday said many of these businesses will need support to enable them to reopen their doors, including consumer spending initiatives.
It has called for commercial rates due to local authorities to be cancelled for a year and further supports to help re-employ people who were laid off during the crisis.
Employers group Ibec said “a risk-based approach” to balance health concerns with “wider well-being issues and the need to have a functioning economy” must be applied over the coming months to facilitate any recovery.