There’s strong anger among many Clare publicans who say they are being treated ‘disgracefully’ by government.
It’s after public health advisors again said that pubs who do not serve food cannot re-open.
Cabinet will meet later to consider giving Gardaí new powers to shut down pubs on the spot for breaching Covid-19 rules.
The decision taken last night by the National Public Health Emergency Team means that 3,500 pubs that don’t serve food will be closed for at least six months after they shut in March.
With no reopening date in sight, many publicans will fear that the wait to welcome customers will continue for even longer.
The Clare Vintners Association has previously warned that many communities across this county, particularly in rural areas, face being left without a pub if this situation persists.
Charlie O Meara, of O Dea’s Bar on O Connell Street in Ennis and Former Chair of the Clare Branch of the VFI, says the strain of being closed is taking its toll on publicans.
Explaining the continued closure of pubs last night, Acting Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn says now is not the time to reopen pubs.
A cabinet meeting will be held this afternoon – where Ministers will consider giving the Gardai further powers to enforce current restrictions.
Organising or attending a gathering of more than 6 people may be made an offence, in an effort to crack down on house parties.
Padraig Cribben, CEO of the Vintners Federation of Ireland thinks the Government should introduce a temporary prohibition on the sale of alcohol altogether.
