LAST UPDATE | 17 Dec 2021

GROUPS REPRESENTING THE hospitality sector have expressed anger and dismay at today’s announcement of an 8pm closing time for restaurants and pubs.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced this evening that all restaurants and bars (excluding takeaways or delivery services) must close at 8pm. The measure will come into effect on Monday and will be in place until 30 January.

Events promoters and venues also said that shows due to take place from Monday will be impacted by today’s announcement.

At a press briefing this evening, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said the government will work on supports for businesses effected by the new restrictions over the weekend. 

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment said the government is examing whether the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) can be expanded to businesses that have had a reduction in turnover as a consequence of a government order.

The scheme was previously only available to businesses that were fully closed, or those that suffered a 75% drop in turnover.

“We won’t let your businesses fail or be sacrificed. None of this is your fault, the virus is to blame. And we need you to survive, because when this is over we’re going to need you more than ever,” Varadkar said.

The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI), which represents publicans across Ireland, said the 8pm closing time makes little sense and will lead to pubs closing their doors for the duration of restrictions.

The lobby group said that unless the government reintroduces the CRSS for its members many businesses will go to the wall.

“I guess the government thinks we should feel grateful for the 8pm closing given NPHET’s demand for a 5pm curfew. The reality is this decision will decimate the trade that was already on its knees,” Padraig Cribben of the VFI said.

“Christmas was the one chance we had to recoup some of the losses amassed earlier in the year but we’re now in a situation where staff will lose their jobs and pubs will shut one week before Christmas as they see little point in opening under these conditions,” Cribben added.

The comments were echoed by the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA), which represents Dublin publicans, which said the decision is “closure in camouflage”.

The LVA says most pubs will now be unable to viably operate in that timeframe and will now have to close anyway, putting tens of thousands of people out of work from next week.

“Obviously we are very disappointed about this decision as it clearly amounts to closure in camouflage. Most of our members will now take the decision to shut their doors as they simply won’t be able to afford operating in these conditions,” LVA Chief Executive Donall O’Keeffe said.

In the events industry, Aiken Promotions said it is working with artists whose shows are impacted by the announcement and will provide an update as soon as it can.

⚡️𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘⚡️

We appreciate your support and understanding during this time, please see below regarding upcoming events. pic.twitter.com/xAa1ylWcg7

— Vicar Street (@Vicar_Street) December 17, 2021

“We thank you all for your continued support and patience at this time,” Aiken said.

Adrian Cummins of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said: “This has been a devastating blow for hospitality businesses and employees this evening.

The majority of hospitality businesses rely on income from the Christmas period to see them through the quieter first two months of the year. The loss of income over Christmas is about more than just the festive season, it is about surviving the winter months.

“It is imperative that financial supports are put in place immediately to offset the impact this will have for businesses and their employees and enable them to survive. As a sector and as a country we need better engagement on what the plan for living with this disease will be going forward.

“The current last minute reactionary approach is not working, we stand as always, ready able and willing to engage with Government on a plan for the survival and reopening of hospitality,” Cummins added.