Wet pubs ‘may be forced to stay closed’ until at least March

Wet pubs across the country may be forced to stay closed until at least March.

This will be a further blow to the industry, which has been forced to keep the shutters of bars that do not serve food closed since the pandemic hit Irish shores.

So-called “wet pubs” were only able to open their doors for a few weeks, while those in Dublin were unable to reopen at all.

They are expected to return before St. Patrick’s Day, but the innkeepers aren’t holding their breath.

A government source told the Irish Independent: “Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely that we will see them reopen in the coming months because data shows that even opening pubs serving food leads to an increase in new cases.”

Meanwhile, more restrictions will be re-imposed “earlier than originally planned” after the recent spike in Covid-19 cases.

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan confirmed that the government will meet today and tomorrow before deciding on the finer details.

However, the minister said that the hospitality sector, as well as the number of household gatherings, will suffer further restrictions.

Speaking on RTE’s Morning Ireland, Mr. Ryan said: “The Taoiseach said last week that due to increasing numbers we were looking at some of the dates, an earlier closure of hospitality, a reduction in the number of households that they could visit the house.

“It was only the last three days that we have really seen the recent spike, which would call us to change the timelines.

“We are watching with concern the increase in the numbers. There are likely to be more restrictions, yes, and earlier than originally planned.”

“I think that in a variety of different measures there are likely to be changes.”

It comes after 764 more people tested positive for coronavirus in Ireland on Sunday.