Irish pubs to campaign for support this weekend

Culture
12 Aug 20

"We are doing this for the 3,500 pubs who remain closed," says LVA Vice Chair Noel Anderson.

In response to ongoing uncertainty for publicans, Noel Anderson, the Vice Chair of the License Vintners Association (LVA) has taken to Twitter to share details of a campaign launching this Saturday, August 15, along with a graphic reading: "I support".

"It is vital that we all support this, whether open or closed," he continues. "We are doing this for the 3,500 pubs who remain closed."

To all the publicans on my Twitter page you will have seen at this stage the email from @LVADublinPubs & @VFIpubs about Saturdays campaign. It is vital that we all support this whether open or closed we are doing this for the 3500 pubs who remain closed. #PubsIreland pic.twitter.com/EqVE8dP3FQ

— Noel Anderson (@NoelAnderson_) August 12, 2020

Although further details of the campaign have yet to be revealed, the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) and LVA have shared a statement today, urging the Government "to provide a strong support package for pubs who are unable to open due to the public health circumstances."

"With pubs being treated differently to other sectors of the economy the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) and Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) want to see funding provided to all pubs who are being asked to stay closed due to the public health requirements," the statement continued.

"Last week, the Government announced that pubs who do not serve food must remain closed at least until 31st August 2020 – meaning 3,500 pubs employing 25,000 people across the country will have been unable to trade by Government order for a minimum of 168 days (46% of a year). This was the second time in three weeks the reopening had been delayed."

The VFI and LVA go on to note that "there is growing scepticism across the industry that the Government will allow them to open their doors at the end of the month."

Among the measures the vintners groups are calling for is the introduction of a "Pub Support Package" – "which will provide direct financial aid to pubs that are closed by order of the Government."

Read the full statement here.