The Irish government has just announced that Irish pubs, closed since March, should all be able to reopen by the end of September. This is excellent news aimed at saving around 1,000 establishments currently threatened with bankruptcy. A welcome easing of Covid-19 restrictions, but it will bring new challenges as Ireland faces a resurgence of coronavirus cases across the country.
Irish Government Eases Restrictions
Widely Criticized, the Prime Minister Revises His Approach
It’s a thorny issue: should the government maintain pressure on the health situation by extending the closure of the most vulnerable Irish pubs? Or should it overlook the rising coronavirus cases to better revive the pub economy?
Until now, the government had played for time, only allowing Irish pubs that serve food to welcome customers. However, the unequal treatment of Irish pubs that only serve drinks was heavily criticized by the Irish public.
Adding to this was the bankruptcy of some historic Irish pubs in the country (including the one in Dalkey): an unacceptable situation for the Irish, who then criticized the government for providing inadequate support to struggling pub owners.
“Explain to me why an Irish pub serving food and drinks would have more right to open than a regular Irish pub?” said a pub owner. “It’s nonsense. All establishments following public health guidelines should be allowed to operate.”
Under pressure, it seems the government has finally given in. In a crisis context (with coronavirus cases rising alarmingly), the state appears ready to revise its stance. The cabinet is expected to meet later today to set an “official” reopening date.
According to early rumors, this reopening should take effect by the end of September. But beware, there will likely be rules to follow. A draft of these rules leaked last week, which would notably include:
- mandatory table service (ordering at the bar prohibited),
- requiring customers to remain seated (including in smoking areas),
- limiting tables to a maximum of 6 people from no more than 3 different households,
- encouraging social distancing of 1 meter between individuals,
- mandatory closing of establishments by 11:30 PM.
Time spent inside the pub will not be limited, and staff at each establishment will be required to wear PPE (masks, face shields, etc.) and regularly sanitize their hands with hand gel.
Authorities will likely conduct inspections to ensure compliance with public health rules.
Now we just need the official date: this should help Irish pub owners better prepare for their upcoming reopening. Fingers crossed for them!
