No indoor dining for now as outdoor dining deemed a ‘lifeline’ but ‘not viable’
Plans to reopen indoor dining on July 5 have been called to a halt by the government, with local proprietors reporting that the announcement was ‘disappointing’ and sharing their thoughts on the continuation of outdoor dining and a prolonged ‘outdoor summer’.
On the main street in Fermoy, the popular local restaurant Hanna’s also remains closed to indoor dining.
Although the restaurant remains open for takeaways and the market shop continues to operate, the recent government announcement has been a blow to the restaurant.
Proprietor Dave Ryan spoke to The Avondhu this week stating that they had planned to reopen for indoor dining, noting that Tuesday’s announcement was disappointing ‘for staff especially’.
“The big thing is staff, convincing them to come back or taking new staff on, it’s very disappointing for them too. The lack of clarity is very frustrating. I understand the predicament they (the government) are in, but it is frustrating,” he said.
According to Mr Ryan, outdoor dining is ‘not viable’ for Hanna’s restaurant.
Located on Patrick Street in Fermoy, Mr Ryan said that while they have acquired an outdoor dining licence, they have not yet set up for such, but plan to do so soon. This would see customers return to dining at the restaurant with limited capacity seating.
“We have an outdoor dining license and we plan to open that with seating but it would be limited for 16 to 18 people, it’s just not viable,” Mr Ryan said.
TALLOW
In Tallow, T.J. Keniry’s bar and restaurant on the main street have also been impacted by the announcement, meaning they too will operate at a limited capacity.
Despite this, proprietor Michael Keniry has said that they are ‘okay’ with the news as they have implemented outdoor dining.
“We’re okay with the outdoor dining because we have the space for it, but I feel sorry for the people that don’t have space to seat customers outside. While the weather is good it’s lovely, but in the long term, I don’t think outdoor dining is the answer,” Mr Keniry said.
He noted that while the restaurant could normally seat 40 people indoors, they are currently operating at a maximum of twenty people with the outdoor dining measures in place.
Mr Keniry also noted that so far, customer feedback has been positive in respect of the outdoor dining, stating that customers are happy as long as the weather remains good.
Waterford City and County Council were also commended by Mr Keniry who noted their efforts in facilitating outdoor dining spaces for local businesses.
“It’s great that the council office is facilitating the outdoor dining in every way they can by allowing people to put seats outside on the street,” he added.
HERON
The Heron Café, located on Fermoy’s Pearse Square have also said that they will continue to operate on a takeaway or outdoor dining basis.
Proprietor Dee McCarthy said that they will continue to make the most of the current outdoor dining and takeaway situation, especially while the good weather continues as they await further instruction regarding when they can fully reopen.
“We were looking forward to reopening our indoor seating but we are definitely mindful that our number one priority remains the health and wellbeing of our staff and customers.”
Ms McCarthy noted that while they have had to adjust over the past year and a half, outdoor dining has given the café ‘a lifeline’.
“Outdoor dining has given us a lifeline and has allowed us to continue. Thankfully the council gave us full support last year allowing us to go out near the platform area in front of the café with seating,” Ms McCarthy added.