Opinion
24 Feb 21

Lack of roadmap for reopening pub sector "will prolong the anxiety and uncertainty," says Vintners' Federation of Ireland

"The lack of detail about how the pub sector will reopen is completely unacceptable to our members and their families," commented VFI Chief Executive Padraig Cribben.

Many in the hospitality sector have expressed their disappointment following last night's live address by Taoiseach Micheál Martin – which outlined a new 'Living with Covid-19' plan.

"The lack of any detailed plan for how the pub sector will reopen is a major flaw in the Resilience and Recovery 2021 plan published by government and will prolong the anxiety and uncertainty for over 7,000 publicans, their families and staff," the Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) stated in response.

They also noted that, as the Irish pub sector approaches "the one-year anniversary since it closed on 15th March 2020, there remains a complete lack of clarity from Government about how the hospitality sector will restart."

"It’s incredible the Taoiseach did not signal what would happen after 5th April, especially after his recent vague comments that hospitality would remain shut until ‘mid-summer’," commented VFI Chief Executive Padraig Cribben. “Over 50,000 people work in the pub sector so we hoped Government would recognise the huge uncertainty swirling around the sector and outline a plan for reopening. The Taoiseach says he knows people are sick of lockdown but the complete absence of any hope for the pub sector undermines his warm words.

“The lack of detail about how the pub sector will reopen is completely unacceptable to our members and their families. They deserve a roadmap to reopening that explains what must happen to allow pubs commence trading.

“There is certain key data that will determine when the sector will open such as how much of the population needs to be vaccinated. Without understanding the numbers that need to be reached we’re simply scrambling around in the dark."

Cribben also criticised the fact that "so far Government refuses to increase the CRSS payment."

"The current 10% rate is not enough for publicans who have no clue when they will be allowed to reopen," he resumed. "We’re calling for the rate to be increased to 20%.

“At some stage, clarity about reopening will have to be provided. Today is a missed opportunity and highlights the desperate situation our members face."

The Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) also noted that, while they "were not expecting any specific reopening dates to be included", they had nonetheless "hoped that the conditions for reopening would be outlined by the Government."

“The hospitality sector, which currently has 150,000 staff on PUP, is not an inconvenience which the Government can sweep under the carpet," said Donall O'Keefee, Chief Executive of the LVA. "Our future matters to the future well-being of our society and our economy, particularly to the families and staff dependent on this sector.

“In the absence any clarity and with closures set to continue for an indeterminant period, there needs to be a marked increase in the level of financial supports provided to the sector. The extensions announced are not sufficient. There needs to be an immediate doubling of Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) payments, extension of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) to the end of 2021 and the waiving of commercial rates for the rest of the year. These supports are essential in ensuring these businesses can survive and reopen when it is safe to do so."

Many publicans around the country took to Twitter last night to voice their frustrations.

Disappointed to say the least, not really anything in the announcement for our Trade, just sit and wait, again. A few crumbs with current supports extended but for those clinging on for today’s news, it’s bitterly disappointing. @VFIpubs @CorkVFI

— Michael O'Donovan (@michaelodono99) February 23, 2021

If ever you questioner the disrespect our industry has been subject to through this crisis, look no further. https://t.co/troDPeFRf3

— Grogans Castle Lounge (@GrogansPub) February 23, 2021

No new information, no clear path, no strategy and evidently no hope.#livingwithcovid

— Grogans Castle Lounge (@GrogansPub) February 23, 2021

Not for the pub/hospitality sector. No roadmap, no clarity https://t.co/najDWtcIyz

— VFI (@VFIpubs) February 23, 2021

Believe it or not, this is the last line in the newly announced government Covid 'plan': pic.twitter.com/O1F8EEIlD1

— The Miners Bar (@theminersbar) February 23, 2021