Leo Varadkar gives signs of hope for pubs after arguing that they should be left open

Leo Varadkar has said that he “sympathizes” with the idea of ​​a pub being a controlled environment for Christmas celebrations.

But he also warned of the potential for pub parties that could increase the risk of Covid.

Varadkar’s comments can be seen by the hotel industry as a sign of hope ahead of tomorrow’s closure lifting announcements.

Restaurants and gastropubs are expected to get the green light to open in December, but so-called ‘wet pubs’ that don’t serve food will be lost.

The Tánaiste has also revealed that it fears that a widespread reopening of pubs could fuel more house parties after pub closures.

And it is in these events where the super spread of Covid could occur.

Mr. Varadkar spoke during Questions about the legislation promised in the Dáil this afternoon.

The issue was raised by Tipperary’s independent TD, Michael Lowry, who said his county pubs face “annihilation” if they can’t open in December.

Mr Varadkar said in response: “I understand the argument and sympathize with this argument that a pub is a controlled environment and that people are less likely to interact there than, for example, a party or a home gathering.

“But I do think we have to keep in mind that just because people meet in a pub doesn’t mean that an equal number of meetings won’t happen at home.

“It is very possible that people after spending a few hours or the night in a pub will retire to someone’s house and have a party there.

“So I don’t think this idea that just because pubs are open there will be fewer pubs is necessarily true.

“In fact, you could end up with the same number or even more and therefore increase your risk.”