Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

Varadkar tells publicans: 'We want to make sure you never have to close again'

The Tánaiste said he’d dare to put money on pubs re-opening indoors in July.

THE TÁNAISTE HAS said that the wage subsidy scheme and CRSS supports will remain in place for pubs until they can “open fully and open properly”. 

In an address to more than 1,200 publicans at the Emerging Stronger virtual conference today, Leo Varadkar said the government’s intention is to “make sure [they] never have to close again”.

He also said that he hopes that indoor hospitality can resume in July and that he’d even “put money on it”.

Under the government’s latest roadmap, outdoor dining is set to resume on 7 June. 

In his address to publicans today, the Tánaiste said there wasn’t a “magic number” that would allow pubs to re-open indoors but it was rather the “trajectory” of Covid-19.

This would include an examination of cases, hospitalisations and the vaccine programme. 

“We would anticipate by the end of June that around 80% of the adult population will either be fully vaccinated or have been offered a vaccine,” he said, adding that data from the UK and Israel was encouraging when it came to Ireland’s own prospects. 

Varadkar also said that he would encourage local councils to allow hospitality businesses to make full use of outdoor spaces over the summer. 

“I’m working with Minister [Catherine] Martin so that the outdoor furniture grant can be extended to pubs,” he said. 

He reiterated that there would be “no cliff edge” for the government supports for businesses. 

In terms of tourism, he said that local and domestic tourism was more likely in the coming months rather than international tourism. He said there was a “strong case this summer to restore travel to Britain”.

“Beyond Britain, when you’re talking Europe and the US, I think it’s only going to be possible with evidence of being fully vaccinated, meaning that return will be slower,” he said. 

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
39 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Healy
    Favourite Michael Healy
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 6:19 PM

    Will be nice to have a pint and not have to buy a 9 euro meal to justify it or watch the clock for 1hr 45 mins before I have to leave again……a nice quiet pint, maybe with a match on TV or some music playing and try and get some socialising normality going again

    379
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paddy Kennedy
    Favourite Paddy Kennedy
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 6:41 PM

    @Michael Healy: They’ve already said the €9 meal is gone.

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Robert Clifford
    Favourite Robert Clifford
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 6:46 PM

    @Michael Healy: I’ll second that Michael. God that’s a lovely post.

    75
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute HectorPickaxe
    Favourite HectorPickaxe
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 6:48 PM

    @Paddy Kennedy: I presume that’s why he said “will be”.

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Lee
    Favourite Paul Lee
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 7:14 PM

    @Michael Healy: I know the €9 meal is gone but it seems mostly that the time limit, so far, is still in place. The vast majority of places I’ve looked at or tried to book have 90 minutes or 105 minutes limits. I hope that ends soon.

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Franny Ando
    Favourite Franny Ando
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 8:29 PM

    @Paul Lee: Is it I was on today about getting a booking but no one mentioned a time limit. Mind you I never asked. Just got my name on the list:)

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute pkunzip doom2.zip
    Favourite pkunzip doom2.zip
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 10:26 PM

    @Paul Lee: It was my understanding that the 90/105 minute rule was only if tables couldn’t be 2m apart, of all the pubs I went to, never was I asked to leave. I take it with drinking outdoors time doesn’t matter

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Mac Glera
    Favourite Kevin Mac Glera
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 6:34 PM

    The sneery attitude the government and NEPHT and a small but vocal number of people had against Publicans won’t be forgotten!

    202
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute M. Murphy
    Favourite M. Murphy
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 6:59 PM

    @Kevin Mac Glera: get over yourself. Ooen your eyes to what happened over the last year. Once in a lifetime pandemic. I know 2 publicans who are dreading re opening as they are getting a nice number in support from the government and don’t want the hassle . Trust me a lot of publicans love this government for what they did

    103
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Franny Ando
    Favourite Franny Ando
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 7:58 PM

    @M. Murphy: And there are some still trying to get support and some who can’t get it. No a lot of publicans do not love this government or NPHET. There also a lot of pubs big and small in towns and villages around this country who cannot open for outdoor drinking because they haven’t the space. Not only that but rules in place by local councils that make outdoor drinking illegal.A lot only have small smoking areas which would only hold about a half dozen people . So maybe its time you got over yourself. They were completely ignored for almost 15 months and it looks like it could be another 3 months or so before they get customers back indoors.

    75
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Mac Glera
    Favourite Kevin Mac Glera
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 8:47 PM

    @M. Murphy: people’s livelihoods destroyed so no I won’t get over it!!!Get over yourself!!

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pat Breen
    Favourite Pat Breen
    Report
    May 12th 2021, 2:45 PM

    @M. Murphy: g

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute a
    Favourite a
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 7:03 PM

    Mixed signals again from leaky Leo. We are adopting the Digital certificate for travel so where is he getting the fully vaccinated for travel restriction from. You DO NOT need to be fully vaccinated to travel around Europe post it’s adoption next month.

    Are these ministers trying to kill certain industry’s altogether?

    125
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Mc
    Favourite Paul Mc
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 7:14 PM

    In fairness Leo has being caught out on numerous occasions telling pork pies,his word is most certainly not his bond.

    95
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Vincent Bickerstaffe
    Favourite Vincent Bickerstaffe
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 6:14 PM

    Can’t wait to hear last call again…

    83
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ann Mc Shane
    Favourite Ann Mc Shane
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 10:29 PM

    @Vincent Bickerstaffe: or…get out you’re barred!!!
    Ahhh, the sweet sweet memories

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sigfrid Blanc
    Favourite Sigfrid Blanc
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 7:07 PM

    Last I checked Ireland is part of the EU not the UK, that should be the number 1 priority.
    Second point, with the digital green certificate all EU citizen will move freely whether they’re vaccinated or not.

    76
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sheila McNulty
    Favourite Sheila McNulty
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 8:15 PM

    @Sigfrid Blanc: only if the country you are going to has low numbers of Covid

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joey
    Favourite Joey
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 8:32 PM

    @Sigfrid Blanc: A little thing called the Common Travel Area that predates the EU.

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Damian Ryan
    Favourite Damian Ryan
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 6:17 PM

    Can’t wait for someone to buy me a pint

    70
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute l
    Favourite l
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 6:19 PM

    24 hr opening hours, woo hoo

    73
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Maco Maco
    Favourite Maco Maco
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 8:36 PM

    I,d just prefer if Leo disappeared forever.

    61
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Cahill
    Favourite Kevin Cahill
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 7:32 PM

    Can’t wait to meet up with my old buddies for a pint ,it’s been a long and lonely six months

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bennett blaster
    Favourite Bennett blaster
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 7:53 PM

    I’d prefer if The Dail never closed again Leo, you’re paid enough.

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute artur fil
    Favourite artur fil
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 6:40 PM
    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diarmuid Hunt
    Favourite Diarmuid Hunt
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 6:50 PM

    @artur fil: An article published by an economist which references a study by 3 other economists that has yet to be peer reviewed. I’ll take my medical facts from qualified people who know what they’re talking about thanks. If my fuse board keeps tripping I call an electrician not a plumber, if there’s a leak in my house I call a plumber not an electrician.

    54
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute artur fil
    Favourite artur fil
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 6:56 PM

    @Diarmuid Hunt: Texas is 100% open since 10 March https://novapundit.com/2021/04/texas-no-masks-no-lockdowns-no-surge/

    40
    See 7 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diarmuid Hunt
    Favourite Diarmuid Hunt
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 7:02 PM

    @artur fil: That’s great what does it prove? Consider this hypothetical: I drove my car without a seat belt, I didn’t die therefore seat belts don’t save anyone. Also again not a medical study or from someone in the field an article by a self-proclaimed biased source, nice.

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute artur fil
    Favourite artur fil
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 7:39 PM

    @Diarmuid Hunt: Says in article there was no surge in cases after lockdown was lifted.
    No point to carry on this discussion you must one of those lockdown lovers. Have nice evening.

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bennett blaster
    Favourite Bennett blaster
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 7:52 PM

    @Diarmuid Hunt: You can’t argue with people like him, save your energy

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diarmuid Hunt
    Favourite Diarmuid Hunt
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 7:54 PM

    @artur fil: *Whoosh*. You must have been ducking to let that one over your head. Nobody loves lockdowns but you keep on like Journey and don’t stop believin’.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute aidanshaw
    Favourite aidanshaw
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 8:14 PM

    @artur fil: i watched billy joe saunders v canelo saterday night, 73,000 fans in the dallas cowboys stadium texas.. Apparently huge events like that are the norm in texas.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diarmuid Hunt
    Favourite Diarmuid Hunt
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 8:57 PM

    @Bennett blaster: Ah I know, I just get a strange sense of enjoyment out of pointing out the obvious flaws in his “argument” if you can call it such.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Barry Lynch
    Favourite Barry Lynch
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 9:37 PM

    @Diarmuid Hunt: You mean, if there was a leak in your house it was Leo.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Benny McHale
    Favourite Benny McHale
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 10:30 PM

    Leo says he’ll put money on it. All 7000 pubs in Ireland should have 100 euro with him that they WON’T be allowed open. With 70 grand at stake he’ll make sure it happens.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan McArdle
    Favourite Alan McArdle
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 11:25 PM

    @Benny McHale: Govt. know that this is the last chance saloon (see what I did there?!) as far as closures go. They’ll definitely open.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Koochulan
    Favourite Koochulan
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 6:25 PM

    Jaysus there some hours for a barman…he must be desperate for the session..

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Charles Coughlan
    Favourite Charles Coughlan
    Report
    May 11th 2021, 9:29 PM

    Should have read, We want to make sure you never have to open again”

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ed w
    Favourite ed w
    Report
    May 12th 2021, 10:35 AM

    a lot arent ever going to reopen at this point

    3
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds