Clare Publicans Two Metre Rule Must Be Relaxed Sooner To Ensure Survival Of Businesses

Pub owners in Clare remain hopeful that the two-metre social distancing rule will soon be reduced to one metre, to ensure the survival of businesses in their trade.

It comes as new research shows almost three-quarters of regular pub-goers plan to return when pubs re-open from next week.

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In just five days time, pubs who serve food can re-open their doors for the first time in three months and efforts are well underway by publicans to ensure they’re compliant with Government restrictions.

In the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that social distancing is to reduce from two metres to one metre “plus” from the first week of July.

This allows physical distancing to be halved, once other measures are in place including face coverings, screens, and extra hand-washing facilities.

Here, hope has been expressed by some in the tourism and hospitality industry that the Irish Government will follow suit.

Eamon Duggan from Malachy’s Bar in Quin fears it won’t be possible to stay afloat, if they’ve to keep customers and staff two metres apart.

New research by the two vintners bodies, the LVA and the VFI shows almost 75 per cent of regular pub-goers plan to return during the first month of reopening.

7 in 10 people are worried that other customers will not take safety measures seriously, while over 60 per cent of people said knowing that all glasses and cutlery will be deep cleaned will impact on their plans to go back.

One Miltown Malbay publican says a practical approach will be needed by everyone, including customers, as people try to become used to the changes.

But Tony Cogan says revising the current guidelines will be crucial for the survival of businesses.