It’s a staggering figure: nearly two thirds of Irish pubs in Ireland may not survive the devastating impact of Covid-19. Strangled by inactivity and government restrictions, almost 60% of them could be forced to close their doors permanently by Christmas. This poses a real threat, especially considering the vital role pubs play in Irish society, serving as a true social hub.
The VFI Condemns the Irish Government’s Policy Towards Irish Pubs
Nearly 1,000 Pubs Face Closure in Ireland
The Vintner Federation of Ireland (VFI) is clear: if forced closures continue, it will be a large-scale disaster for Irish pub owners. Over 1,000 establishments are at risk—a situation unthinkable in Irish culture, where pubs are deeply cherished institutions.
The VFI has taken the opportunity to criticize the Irish government’s actions towards pubs, calling them inadequate and dangerous. (As a reminder, only Irish pubs serving meals are allowed to operate, unlike those serving alcohol only).
According to the VFI, the €16 million support program for pubs is insufficient. They argue it won’t compensate for the long months of inactivity and the debts accumulated.
Originally, all Irish pubs were scheduled to reopen in Ireland from July 20 as part of the government’s roadmap. However, this date was postponed due to a significant resurgence of coronavirus cases. Since then, Irish pub owners face an uncertain future: no reopening date has been announced.
Worse still, Minister Leo Varadkar hinted that “pubs serving alcohol only” might not be allowed to reopen this year.
In total, Ireland has about 3,500 Irish pubs that serve alcohol only. All are forced to keep their doors closed.
“This so-called support program for closed pub owners is terribly insufficient. Our members face an autumn of uncertainty with no indication from the government on how and when they will be allowed to reopen,” said Padraig Cribben, CEO of VFI.
Many voices are now rising against the government’s restrictive policy towards Irish pubs. Numerous owners and customers criticize the government’s lack of preparation and excessive rigidity. For many Irish people, allowing pubs that serve meals to open while keeping simple drinking establishments closed borders on nonsense.
It’s worth noting that Ireland has been one of the strictest countries in managing the current health crisis. Irish pubs have endured the longest closures compared to pubs in other European Union member states. Across Europe, other countries have reopened their bars, aware of the stakes… while Irish establishments remain shut down.
