Proposed early closing time unworkable and pointless, say vintners
The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) says NPHET advice to close pubs at 5pm from this Monday is effectively a full lockdown of the trade that will have a devastating impact on members, their families and staff.
With Government set to make a decision about any new restrictions later on Friday, the VFI says ministers need to understand that for the majority of pubs 90% of turnover is generated after 5pm. If such a draconian decision is made enhanced supports and a full return of the CRSS will need to be immediately announced.
Padraig Cribben, VFI Chief Executive, says: “The proposed 5pm closing time is devastating news for our trade and is difficult to come to terms with. After so many lockdowns, along with the desperately slow reopening of the trade during the summer and the promise of no further shut-downs, this proposal would effectively be a full lockdown.
“Allowing our members trade until 5pm is pointless. Over 90% of pub turnover is generated at night-time so closing early is not viable. In fact, any reduction in the current trading hours will crush many businesses. What is proposed is effectively full closure of the sector and would have to come with a full suite of supports.
“Government has to move away from using hospitality to signal concern about Covid. Dr Mike Ryan from the World Health Organisation says lockdowns don’t work so it beggar’s belief that almost two years since this emergency began we are resorting to such blunt and ineffective tools.
“The impact of such a decision is difficult to overstate. Publicans spent late summer and autumn rebuilding their businesses and sourcing staff after so many left the sector. What does today’s proposal say to staff? We are facing another exodus from the trade as people move to what they think is more secure employment.
“There is also the fact that restricted trading hours will drive people from well-run pubs following the guidelines to unregulated parties and shebeens.
“Over 94% of the population is fully vaccinated, the ‘booster’ programme is proceeding at pace so why are we going backwards? The virus looks like it will be with us for years to come so at some point we need to switch to living alongside Covid instead of living in fear. We need a clear plan but right now Government is sadly lacking a pathway out of this mess” concludes Mr Cribben.