VINTNERS SLAM DECISION TO DELAY REOPENINGS OF PUBS

Vintners slam decision to delay pubs reopening

Hotel bars not affected by new government delays but pubs call for special measures to safeguard the industry

Just before Hotel & Catering Review went to print, it was announced that phase 4 of the opening of the country would be pushed back to the 10th of August. Pubs and nightclubs that expected to open their doors on the 20th of July are now facing a longer period of closure. The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has stated that hotel bars that serve food will remain open for business and are not affected by the government’s decision. Tim Fenn, IHF Chief Executive, said that the announcement has led to some confusion. “Members are answering queries from guests who are unsure about being able to obtain alcohol with their meal in a hotel bar. Most hotel bars serve food and they were able to reopen at the end of June as they comply with the requirement to serve a substantial meal, as well as meeting other features expected of a restaurant. These hotel bars have clearance to remain open. The government decision only requires bars and pubs which do not serve food to stay closed until phase 4.”

Hoteliers expressed disappointed at the decision not to allow all hotel bars to reopen given the capacity of hotels to give ample social physical distancing. “The health and safety of our teams and guests will always be our first priority. However, the decision doesn’t fully reflect that hotels have plenty of space which gives them greater flexibility to comply with the Covid-19 reopening protocols including safe social distancing requirements.”

The IHF was also disappointed at the failure to increase the size of gatherings until the 10th of August. “It doesn’t fully reflect the capacity of hotels or their proven track record in managing large gatherings safely. Many hotels across the length and breadth of the country have hosted gatherings of less than 50 guests safely since the date for smaller gatherings was brought forward, with no public health issues arising. Hotels have a proven track record of managing large events safely and it is very disappointing that this was not taken into consideration,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) has asked the government what their future plans will be for the pub sector should further spikes in the infection rate arise. Following comments made by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, that pubs could “materially add to the possibility of a second wave”, the LVA has asked the government to develop a plan for protecting the future of the pub industry and its 50,000 employees in this country. Pointing to the singling out of the pub sector, the LVA added that if the government wishes the pub sector to survive, special measures will be needed to safeguard the future of the industry. “Many hotels across the length and breadth of the country have hosted gatherings of less than 50 guests safely since the date for smaller gatherings was brought forward, with no public health issues arising. Hotels have a proven track record of managing large events safely and it is very disappointing that this was not taken into consideration”

The LVA has stated that pubs who are yet to reopen will go 40% of the year without trading. This amounts to 147 days or almost five months. Pubs were the first sector to close and will be the last to reopen. The LVA is asking the government to commit to the following measures for the pub sector:

Significant grant aid for pubs based on their licence band, with a minimum of €20,000 rising to €50,000 for 2020 Maintaining the Wage Subsidy Scheme for pubs for as long as social distancing restrictions apply A cut in the VAT rate for on-trade alcohol until the end of the year The abolition of commercial rates for 2020

“It is clear that the government is making a special case of the pubs,” said Donall O’Keeffe, Chief Executive of the LVA. “We are the only sector still to reopen. We have repeatedly been separated from the rest of the economy and from the rest of the hospitality sector. The livelihoods of publicans and their staff are being badly affected. The infection rate is rising while they remain closed.” He added that Minister Donnelly’s comments are a further indication of the government’s stance towards pubs. “Well, if pubs are going to be singled out by the government, then we deserve special treatment. No other industry is being told they can’t return to work. No other business owner is being told they can’t earn a living for 40% of the year.”