Pubs facing ‘nightmare scenario’ if unable to open for Christmas

The government is under increasing pressure from within its own ranks to return to level 2 restrictions before Christmas.

However, restaurateurs have called for a “light level 3” option, as they believe that some companies could lose vital support if the country goes to level 2.

Publicans have also warned they will face a “nightmare scenario” if all bars are not allowed to reopen during the busy holiday period.

Several members of Fianna Fáil have already said publicly that restrictions should be eased to allow bars and restaurants to serve customers indoors when the level 5 lockdown is lifted in December.

Adrian Cummins, Executive Director of the Irish Restaurant Association, said: “We want the indoor dining room to reopen from December.

The current Level 3 restrictions do not make it economically viable for restaurants to operate, we cannot ask customers to dine al fresco in the cold depths of winter.

He said that if the government goes to level 2, many companies that still will not be able to reopen could lose state support and instead called for adjustments to level 3.

Brian Foley from the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) said: “Given the time of year, people are going to socialize. The question that the Government must ask itself is whether socializing will be safer at uncontrolled parties or pubs where social distancing and the limited number of people will be imposed. We believe that pubs can provide a safe place this Christmas. “

He added: “If the pubs do not open in December, we are faced with a nightmare scenario where the innkeepers and their staff have to survive in the PUP. [pandemic unemployment payment] for Christmas, while the rest of the economy and hospitality sector can trade. The injustice would be staggering. “

Fianna Fáil senator Malcolm Byrne said people need “hope” and the country should be at level 2 by the Christmas period.

However, he cautioned that there should be a “strong emphasis on personal responsibility” and people should continue to limit their social contacts.

I certainly think that in December we should allow, give people hope, have some kind of Christmas, emphasize personal responsibility, but we have to allow a certain level of openness.

Byrne spoke after several of his colleagues pushed for level 2 at a meeting of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party on Wednesday night.

He said that people should be able to travel and meet their families at Christmas.

“I think something that we all associate with the Christmas period is coming home and reconnecting and I certainly hope that will be the case by December 25,” he told Newstalk. Breakfast.

He said many people are finding the second block “a little more difficult than the first.”

“During the Christmas period, we also have to give people hope. People know we have to get over this. I would like to see a situation where we can see the hospitality, hotel and restaurant sector reopening.”

This was echoed by Fianna Fáil TD Cormac Devlin, who said the country should move to level 2 in December.