Hospitality sector braces for lockdown uncertainty

Hospitality businesses in Mitchelstown have said they are facing 'an uncertain future' as movement nationwide to Level 3 this week impose fresh restrictions.

It is feared that the pub trade will again suffer business failings as the new rules will allow just 15 customers while drinking outside.

Luckily, some public houses and restaurants have outdoor facilities, however, The Avondhu discovered that businesses are not sure if this will be enough.

Justin Finn of J’s Bar said he is undecided if he can use his beer garden to facilitate patrons at his premises.

“The big fear I have is that it is going to be more than three weeks - we could be looking at six months. We are heading into flu season. We are here to try and live with the virus and the hospitality sector is not causing cases - just 50 cases linked to a cafe bar in Cork, but that is not all the sector,” he said.

Justin said he believes the solution is not to shut the pubs, but instead close the off licences.

“In my opinion, Government don’t want to see anybody losing money, so leave the pubs, hotels and restaurants open. People are coming in to a controlled environment, but with off licences there is no control.

“Our customers have been absolutely fantastic, very good with the guidelines, and I really want to thank them. They come in here and it is well controlled, but who is monitoring house parties, there is no law for gardai to enter and solve the problem," he asserted.

UNCERTAINTY

“The publicans in town here are all asking if they can use their beer gardens, but we don’t know if we can stay open, so we will meet up and see. Some of us have big beer gardens, but we need to look at the feasibility of staying open,” he explained.

Justin said the biggest challenge for publicans is that the bills are stacking up and that suppliers still must be paid.

“The fear is that this will keep going until after Christmas and without any vaccine, we could find ourselves locking down for three weeks and then opening up for two weeks and then closing again. Businesses cannot sustain that.

“This is having a profound impact on the mental health of business people. A lot of pubs will go to the wall after this. The big thing is we need to find a way to live with it, but we are not living with it now,” he added.

LOCAL SUPPORT

Across New Square at the Clongibbon House, Brenda Tangney said she is devastated to see the business close again and has also seen staff temporarily laid off.

“At the minute we are closed for normal trading, but we are doing takeaway service, with delivery if needed.

“Our staff are reduced to a skeleton crew - Clongibbon will be open Thursday to Monday and we are doing breakfast, home

baking lunches, closing at 3pm - a trial thing to see if the market is there.

“The takeaway idea didn’t work for our businesses during the first lock down - we are hoping for support locally. We got great local support since we reopened. We are really grateful to the people who continued supporting us. I would just send my gratitude to everyone and hope they stay safe.

“If it goes to level five it will be a disaster for us, but we will comply with regulations. Everything will close down,” she added.