More than four out of every ten pubs in Dublin are planning on reopening "essentially as restaurants" on June 29, according to the findings of a new survey that was conducted between Monday May 18 and Tuesday May 19 by the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA).
44% of the survey's participants reportedly said that they intend to reopen on June 29. The LVA stated that, when applied to the 750 pubs located across the capital, this means that approximately 330 pubs are planning to reopen at the end of next month.
According to the LVA, the venues that are owned by the participants who said that they intend to reopen on June 29 have restaurants certificates.
Chief Executive Statement
LVA chief executive Donall O'Keeffe commented, "This again highlights the urgent need for the government to engage with the pub sector. More than four out of every 10 pubs across Dublin are gearing up to reopen as restaurants next month. This reflects the strong emphasis many pubs throughout Dublin have put on food service in recent years.
"These venues have restaurant certificates and are just as capable of following the public health guidelines as restaurants and cafés. Food is a major aspect of their business, so why should they be treated differently to other venues serving food and alcohol? We expect there will be a strong demand for these venues, with many pubs reporting a significant public appetite for when they will be serving food again. Bord Bia research also shows more people eat out at pubs than they do at full service restaurants or cafes.
"We made it clear this would happen when the roadmap was announced, but we are still awaiting a meeting with government to discuss the future for pubs, despite their public comments that they will meet the vintner organisations quickly. Our members cannot remain in limbo and are now actively planning for re-opening on the same basis and at the same time as restaurants."
© 2020 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
