Clare publicans say they’re reaching the ‘end game’ in being able to keep their businesses open.
Members of the Clare VFI have been protesting outside the offices of Clare’s Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs this morning.
The protest, which was organised by the Clare branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland – along with members in other constituencies – was held outside the offices of Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe and Fine Gael TD Joe Carey in Ennis.
A letter calling on the Government to publish the final guidelines and a definitive date for re-opening in advance was presented to both TD’s, who have already said that they support the re-opening of pubs
Addressing the publicans, Deputy Crowe said publicans in Clare and other rural areas have become ‘the fall guys’.
It comes as new draft guidelines for the reopening of all pubs have been drawn up by Fáilte Ireland which include, among other recommendations, pubs only being able to serve people at tables – but no time limit on sittings.
All customers will have to be off the premises by half past eleven – in a similar vein to guidelines already in place for pubs that serve substantial meals.
Chair of the Clare branch of the VFI, Darragh McAlllister, says draft guidelines are ‘no good’ – and publicans need certainty.
Many at the protest saying they have spent thousands of euro on renovations over the summer in anticipation of re-opening, and that they need the chance to do so.
There are fears that for many pubs, particularly in rural areas of this county, any potential reopening date will already be too late to save their business.
Susan Taylor, of Taylor’s Bar in Ennis, says they need to be given the green light to open as soon as possible.