Publicans plead to get back to pulling pints

Galway publicans are pleading with Government to produce a pandemic plan to get them back pulling pints.

And the Galway branch of Vintners Federation of Ireland has demanded more State money to help pubs survive enforced Covid closures.

Chair of Galway VFI, Johnny Duggan also warned of an exodus of staff, and of permanent hospitality business closures, as a direct result of lockdown.

“The banks and landlords were willing to ease off for six or twelve months, but a lot of publicans are running out of rope,” he said.

The proprietor of Taylor’s Bar on Dominick Street in the city said colleagues are annoyed with lack of clarity from Government.

“It’s going on a lot longer than we’d all have expected last March, and there’s no end in sight either,” said Mr Duggan.

“We’re just a bit at a loss as to the plan is. We’re looking for a bit of guidance from Government.

“If the country is 50% or 60% vaccinated, would it mean we can open inside, and still have social distancing or if we have 80% vaccinated does it mean we can open up entirely? Just let us know so we can at least get a sense that there might be an end line.

“The pipeline of vaccinations looks like this, and if we get to June on-plan, we’ll be able to do this in July. It’s simple enough stuff. If it moves it moves, because of the variant or a delay in the vaccines or whatever. But at least give us a plan. Don’t be just sitting there saying we’ll extend the 5k – that doesn’t make an iota of a difference. We’re getting very frustrated.”

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