Government criticised over lack of clarity for July 5th indoor reopening
Government criticised over lack of clarity for July 5th indoor reopening
Words: Emily Mullen
Several bodies and representatives of the hospitality industry have criticised the lack of certainty given for the Summer reopening plans
The government have been criticised over a lack of clarity surrounding the reopening of indoor dining, due to take place on July 5th. Currently, pubs and restaurants will be given as little as three days’ notice as to whether they can press ahead with their Summer reopening plans.
Businesses must wait until a meeting takes place between the Government and public health experts decide whether the risk of the Delta variant is significant enough to push back indoor reopening.
Representatives from the hospitality sector have called for clarity on the reopening, as around the country staff already being hired, supplies ordered, and premises prepared.
Publicans and restaurateurs are calling for a decision to be made this week, but Government sources speaking to The Irish Examiner have said that a decision will not be made until the middle of next week at the earliest.
National Public Health Emergency Team are expected to meet next Thursday, July 1st with an announcement issued by the Government on Friday, July 2, a mere three days before planned reopening.
Speaking to the paper, the sources say that the Government is sympathetic to the need for clarity on this issue.
The Vintners Federation of Ireland have said that the Government “indecision” could “devastate pub trade”, the body asked for “clarity and certainty for members already rehiring staff and stocking up for the big day”.
“Not enjoying this kite flying of extending the indoor dining ban one little bit” tweeted Gareth Smith from Michael’s in Mount Merrion “We need transparency on the decision making, reasonable notice and sensible lead times to organise things in a safe & structured manner,” he added.
“Today has a feeling of last August, the amount of Publicans I have spoken to stressed, worried and a sense of not knowing what to do,” Michael O’Donovan of Cork’s The Castle Inn appealed directly to the Taoiseach, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Public Expenditure to “give us some indication by the start of next week so Publicans can plan”.
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