The Irish government’s plan for easing lockdown is gradually taking shape and will unfold in 5 phases. The fate of Irish pubs has just been announced: they will have to wait until August 10 to reopen. Their reopening is part of the final fifth phase planned by the Irish government.
Irish Pubs in Ireland: The Last to Reopen
A Controversial Decision
So, it will be necessary to wait until August to enjoy a pint in an Irish pub in Ireland. After this date, these establishments will be allowed to resume business alongside cinemas, casinos, and theaters.
This decision is part of the roadmap set by the Irish government, which has established a plan with 5 major steps, each unlockable over a 3-week interval.
It should be noted that these phases can of course be postponed in case of a second wave of coronavirus in the country.
Irish pubs will therefore be the last to reopen. This situation has already sparked anger and outrage among Irish pub owners in Ireland, many of whom are facing severe economic difficulties following the lockdown.
“Why reopen restaurants 6 weeks earlier with their plan? And disadvantage Irish pubs and bars?” a pub owner protests.
This frustration is understandable and is currently growing:
“We are really very disappointed; pub owners are treated like second-class citizens, they are the last link in the hospitality sector to open,” said CEO Donall O’Keeffe. “We call on the government to work with us on a plan to reopen pubs at an earlier date. First of all, because the challenges of social distancing are the same for all hospitality businesses, and all hospitality businesses should be able to open at the same time.”
Many have warned the state that such a late reopening could cause many Irish pubs to go bankrupt. Deprived of income and burdened by ongoing monthly expenses, the fate of some establishments could be painfully compromised…
