Re-opening Meath: Publicans praying for good weather boost ahead of outdoor service start

Pubs across the country are preparing to reopen in June for outdoor service and hope that indoor service can resume shortly after that.

Publicans around the county, most of whom were only opened for over three weeks during the past year, were delighted to learn on Thursday that they can open for outdoor service on 7th June.

There will be no distinction between restaurants, pubs or other food outlets and the €9 meal measure will not return.

Damien Clarke of P Clarkes pub in Bridge Street, Navan said he was really looking forward to it.

“We have a beer garden, so we are ready. Last year, it wasn't viable to open the beer garden because there was a limit of 15 people, but now it is based on the size of the property, so I have room for 30.

“The staff are all delighted to be coming back and they are retraining over the next couple of weeks.

“We are stocking up and sanitising the place again.

“It has been a long year. We were only open for three and a half weeks last September. It was desperate.

“But this is good news and hopefully we will soon be back to where we were in 2019,” he said. Robert Lynch of Lynch's pub in Trim was also delighted at the prospect of reopening.

“We are a small pub with a small outdoor area, but we are hoping to make good use of it.

“It is still unclear when we will be able to fully open and what restrictions will be in place but I am assuming it is the same as before.

“There is a lack of clarity over when things can happen.

“It has been a long few months so we are looking forward to opening. Lets hope we have a bright, warm, dry summer to enjoy the beer garden.

“We really want to see a full reopening as we have been closed a long time.” Mr Lynch pointed out it wasn't just the publicans who were looking forward to the reopening.

“For many people the pub is their only social outlet, where they can meet up with friends.”

Meanwhile, the Vintners Federation of Ireland has said Government must now ensure indoor trading can resume as soon as possible.

“The VFI is extremely pleased that last year’s ‘substantial meal’ provision is now abandoned and the artificial divide between pubs serving food and traditional venues no longer applies,” said Chief Executive Padraig Cribben.

“After a tortuous year for the pub trade, it’s hugely positive that our members can reopen their doors for outdoor trading from 7th June. It’s an important first step to getting the trade fully reopen but can only be viewed as a short-term solution and we’re calling on Government to confirm a date to restart indoor trading as soon as possible."