Last lunch is served at Abbey Hotel until the end of COVID-19 crisis
JUST over 50 years since its opening, Ballymakeera’s Abbey Hotel has been forced to close its doors for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency.
The last carvery lunch was served in the popular roadside establishment on Friday, and workers in local firms were first in line for the delicious homecooked fare.
“It’s a big decision and we’re very disappointed for our loyal staff and customers, but we just hope it’s for the short term,” said Mícheál Creedon, owner of the family-run business. “The passing and local trade is no longer there as people are no longer moving out, so the demand for food and accommodation is gone and the bar is closed.
“In relation to all tours, all they’re currently cancelled: Cruinniú na bhFliút, the Moonraker Rally scheduled for next weekend is also cancelled,” he said.
“All tours are cancelled until May, and I can see this being extended until June.
“Confirmations and First Holy Communions are cancelled until May/June also.”
Mr Creedon is still unsure what government support is available for his business, and he’s very unhappy with the lack of support in terms of insurance.
“It will have a substantial effect on turnover, and we hope we can maintain jobs in the area going forward,” he said.
“In terms of insurance, we have business disruption cover, but my insurance broker told me on Monday when I called him that we weren’t covered for infectious viruses. “Can you imagine this? “We have business disruption insurance, and we’re closed for business but they won’t cover us. That’s crazy!”
A spokesperson for Insurance Ireland speaking on Friday said while closure due to a company employee falling ill with a notifiable disease would entitle the insured business to compensation, the current pandemic isn’t covered.
Other burdens could be lifted by the government: the likes of rates and the VAT ,which was increased to 13.5 per cent from nine per cent last year, in spite of lobbying from hoteliers and others in the industry pointing to the damage threatened by Brexit. However, no-one foresaw the current emergency.
The insurance issue is likely to be a hot potato for a while as most businesses have policies which didn’t specifically exclude the current situation under the heading of ‘Business Interruption’,
Between full- and part-time workers, there were 23 people working in the Abbey last week; during the summer this could go up to 30 workers. They’re out of a job this week until the pandemic passes.
“It will be strange to see it closed,” said the hotelier.