Cork VFI chair says some pubs are experiencing a six week backlog to have their licence amended for outdoor service

Monday, 21 June 2021 10:46

Some of Cork's pubs are experiencing a 6 week back log to have their license amended to allow for outdoor service.

That's according to Michael O'Donovan, the Chair of the Cork branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland.

Yesterday it emerged that it is illegal for businesses to serve alcohol in many outdoor seating areas.

The Justice Minister has insisted that Gardaí will use their discretion when dealing with restaurants and pubs that are serving outdoors

Heather Humphreys says the Garda Commissioner is communicating that message to officers and she will examine whether further measures are required from Government.

Chair of the Cork branch of the VFI- Michael O'Donovan told the Neil Prendeville Show on Cork's RedFMthis morning that many of their members have applied to amend their license.

"We're very grateful to the Minister last night for her statement that said the Gardai have discretion.

"We have had a bit of a backlog through City Council, and I think it's just through sheer numbers, and the timeline has been tight.

"People have spent a lot of money, they were waiting to get the green light from the Taoiseach, and all those applications went in in and around the end of May.

"Where we are now today - it's probably about a six week backlog."