A Licensed Vintners Association survey has revealed that 330 of its 750 Dublin members, 72% of whom serve some kind of food, want to re-open for business "essentially as restaurants" on June 29.
They're still waiting to discover, though, whether they will be afforded the same status as restaurants and cafés who are already included in the Government's Phase 3 plans.
Speaking in reaction to the findings, LVA Chief Executive Donall O’Keeffe says: “This again highlights the urgent need for the Government to engage with the pub sector. These venues have restaurant certificates and are just as capable of following the public health guidelines as restaurants and cafés. Food is a major aspect of their business so why should they be treated differently to other venues serving food and alcohol? We expect there will be a strong demand for these venues, with many pubs reporting a significant public appetite for when they will be serving food again. Bord Bia research also shows more people eat out at pubs than they do at full service restaurants or cafés.
“We made it clear this would happen when the roadmap was announced, but we are still awaiting a meeting with Government to discuss the future for pubs, despite their public comments that they will meet the vintner organisations quickly. Our members cannot remain in limbo and are now actively planning for re-opening on the same basis and at the same time as restaurants."

As previously reported on hotpress.com, the LVA and their Vintners’ Federation of Ireland colleagues have already revealed the following re-opening proposals:

Bars will become dispense bars only with no sitting, standing, ordering, payment or drinking at the bar allowed.

Table service will be a requirement with pubs only serving customers seated at tables.

The numbers on the premises would be confined to no more than 4 per every 10 square metres.

A maximum of 6 people would be permitted at any one table.

Customers will be required to use hand sanitiser upon entry.

All customers must remain seated.

Staff will be fully trained in the new procedures. They will also be asked to maintain a safe distance from customers when taking orders and to wash their hands thoroughly every 30 minutes.

The utilisation of outdoor spaces to enhance social distancing.
Procedures implemented to ensure safe use of toilet facilities, which may include limits on the numbers using toilets at any one time.

No live music or DJs.

Gardaí / HSE will have the power to close any business who is flouting the public health guidelines.