Vintners have welcomed the Government announcement that pubs will reopen on 20th July, three weeks earlier than originally planned and that pubs who serve food can reopen at the same time as the rest of the hospitality sector on 29th June.
In a joint statement the Vintners Federation of Ireland and the Licensed Vintners Association said this will come as a "major relief" to the pub sector across the country.
Both organisations also welcomed the commitment made by the Chief Medical Officer that the National Public Health Emergency Team will develop guidance for the hospitality sector in the coming days and that a review of the 2 metre social distancing requirement is currently being undertaken.
Michael O'Donovan of the Cork Vintners Federation of Ireland told RedFM News that it's a welcome shot in the arm for publicans - but he says they will be facing an extra expense as they prepare their premises to operate within the guidelines.
"First and foremost the 29th of June, the Taoiseach said today that pubs that do food can operate with table service.
"There straight away there's going to be a cost in a challenge in doing that, in waiting staff in getting them trained up over the next two and a half weeks to get ready for that.
"We all appreciate there's going to be extra costs on top of our normal costs, but I suppose the good news is that we finally have a bit of clarity, and I think the dates being brought forward gives a bit of hope to use all that something can be salvaged out of the season."
