Irish pubs to reopen as restaurants in June
NEARLY half the pubs will reopen in Ireland’s capital city of Dublin at the end of June and many establishments, shut since the pandemic lockdown began last March, will reopen around the country.
Pubs that can offer food service will reopen, serving food and drink
Ireland’s pubs and bars around the country have been told by the government that they can reopen on 29th June (Monday) as long as they can operate as if they were restaurants, and they won’t require a restaurant licence to do so.
“Food is a major aspect of (pub) business so why should they be treated differently to other venues serving food and alcohol?” enquired Licenced Vintners Association Chief Executive Donall O’Keeffe. “More than four out of every 10 pubs across Dublin are gearing up to reopen as restaurants. This reflects the strong emphasis many pubs throughout Dublin have put on food service in recent years.”
Punters in Ireland’s pubs can expect to see drastic changes around strict social distancing measures in their locals as publicans, and indeed hoteliers have worked to reopen well before the original plan, which left their businesses languishing until August. The country’s hotels are expected to welcome guests from 29th June and as the skies open up around the world, Irish tourism is expected to follow.
Pubs that can adhere to social distancing measures will be able to reopen
“My pub is divided into a bar and a lounge which does quite a good bit of food and yes, it does drink as well,” said Declan Kennedy of the iconic Brady’s Clock House in Kildare. “I felt that it was fundamentally wrong to allow the restaurants to open and serve food and drink and not allow me to open as a businessman.”
Dublin pubs that have confirmed reopening include the Capitol Lounge on Aungier Street, Sinnott’s Bar near Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, The Boar’s Head on Capel Street and Grogan’s on William Street.
