Many rural pubs may never re-open now due to the government’s draconian approach.
The Rural Independent Group have slammed the government for creating confusion on the re-opening rules for restaurants, cafes and gastropubs while keeping small pubs closed.
Speaking from Leinster House today, the Leader of the Rural Independent Group, Deputy Mattie Mc Grath stated:
“The government ‘plan’ to allow restaurants and Gastro pubs to re-open, while at the same time denying such rights to small rural publicans is highly inequitable and discriminatory. It speaks to the utter contempt that those in government and indeed NPHET, appear to have toward the licensed industry in general. It is political puritanism masquerading as health advice in the absence of any concrete economic data.”
“For instance, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC) data illustrates that 70 per cent of all Covid-19 cases here, have come from private houses with only 0.3 per cent of cases coming from pubs.”
“Unfortunately, the government have not provided any scientific evidence that would support their policy of keeping so-called ‘wet pubs’ closed”, said Deputy Mc Grath.
Meanwhile, the farcical ‘€9 euro substantial meal’ rule that was in place before the current level five lockdown period is back in place now together with a new extra layer stipulating that all food must be prepared onsite.”
“The government policy of confusion is deeply frustrating for business owners in this sector.”
“Irish people have only asked one thing of this government: what is the plan. The ongoing disjointed approach and lack of clarity, despite the short term easing of restrictions, again illustrates that there is no plan.”
“Irish people and businesses deserve certainty, clarity, and competence from their government. Citizens deserve a real plan for the challenges we face today”.
“We need to get this country working again. With a government that will put the prosperity of all Irish people ahead of the special interests of a select few”, concluded Deputy Mc Grath.
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