Publicans devastated at possible 5pm closure
Publicans across Meath have been devastated by the news the Government is considering a 5pm closing time for pubs from Monday.
A NPHET recommendation that bars and restaurants shut from 5pm on Monday will be considered by Cabinet today amid concerns over the speed at which the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, is spreading through the population.
Damien Clarke, publican in Navan described the move as “devastating.”
“I only open at 6pm, so it is closing me down and to just hear it like that last night is so disappointing.
“I am very sorry for my staff – I have a head barman with two small children for Santy and he doesn't know if he will have work next week.
“There is no end in sight. I got all my stock in this week for next week and now I don't know if the breweries will take it back.
“We have already lost all the Christmas party trade for December. We were only open for four or five weeks in September last year and then we were closed until last June. It is just crazy. No business could survive this.
Mr Clarke said that as far as he was concerned the pubs were working fine.
“We already had restrictions. Everybody was signed in, everybody was Covid-checked,” he said.
Navan publican, Padraig Fitzsimons said it was inevitable but devastating for the sector.
“I had thought if we could only make it to Christmas Eve as the run up to Christmas is the busiest period, but I'm not surprised.”
He said a few local bars might open during the day, but he expected most won't, as it won't be viable. “It is very disappointing,” he said.
Wayne Harding of Slane said the hospitality sector has been experiencing blow after blow.
“We have been protecting people on the front line and their families, but NPHET is treating us with disdain in the way these measures are leaked.
“We have closed time after time but we are being treated disgracefully.”
Robert Lynch of The Motor Bar in Trim said "We understand the need to protect the public's health and ensure the hospitals don't become overwhelmed, but this seems like another draconian measure that NPHET is suggesting and once again it is our industry that continues to be most effective.
"We have followed every guideline and we are the most regulated industry in the country, yet we are the first ones that restrictions are imposed upon again.
"We have staff issues, stock issues and more important customers who view the pub as a release for the anxiety they are suffering throughout this whole pandemic.
"We already lost last Christmas and it looks as if this Christmas is now about to be wiped out again. I really hope the Government can find an alternative solution to the suggestions being made by NPHET.”