Publicans and Hoteliers in Clare are calling for tangible supports to be put in place to allow businesses to keep afloat through the Autumn and Winter.
It comes as the reopening of pubs that don’t serve food has been delayed again until August 31st at the earliest, with a financial support package now being considered by government.
Regional restrictions haven’t been ruled out.
Pubs that don’t serve food will not be able to open until August 31st at the earliest, after Phase 4 was pushed back for a second time, while the limit of 50 people remains for indoor gatherings.
The Governent says the decision was made, as reopening pubs or increasing the numbers allowed at gatherings could have very serious consequences.
There are mixed messages on when pubs can re-open though; Taoiseach Mícheál Martin has said he can’t guarantee that pubs will be able to resume trading before the new year, but Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan doesn’t think current restrictions will remain in place long-term.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says the Government hasn’t ruled out re-opening pubs on a regional basis.
The Clare Chair of the VFI says publicans urgently need a roadmap to outline how they can resume business, whenever Phase Four is given the green light.
Ennis Publican, Darragh McAllister believes that as it stands, publicans are being used as ‘the stick to beat the public with’ for failing to follow public health guidelines.
North Clare’s largest employer insists that cash flow measures are now urgently needed so that businesses can survive over the coming months.
Hotel Doolin relies heavily on weddings, particularly in the summer season, to sustain business throughout the Autumn and Winter and the venue’s General Manager says current restrictions are leading to these being postponed or cancelled.
A financial support package for the industry is now being considered by the Government, but Donal Minihan says tangible supports are needed.
