Indoor dining could be pushed back by two weeks

Monday, 28 June 2021 10:53

A Douglas pub owner says any delay in the reopening of indoor hospitality could be a big blow to Cork businesses.

The National Public Health Emergency Team is meeting today to consider its advice on the further easing of Covid 19 restrictions.

Indoor dining, larger weddings and international travel are all set to resume next month under the Government’s original plans.

It’s thought indoor dining may now be pushed back by two weeks to get more people vaccinated over concerns about the Delta varian

Peter Collins who owns Barry's in Douglas told the Neil Prendeville Show this morning it will be a big blow to restaurants and pubs in Cork if reopening is delayed.

"This news will be very difficult for some people to take, particularly around coastal areas where they'd have tourists.

"The summer is always excellent in Cork areas, particularly where holidaymakers tend to flock to.

"It's going to be a terrible blow for some people."

President of Cork Business Association Eoin O'Sullivan says many businesses and suppliers are preparing to open next week.

"It's been very challenging, especially when things are being spoken about being delayed again.

"People have restocked their businesses, and so many people have stocked their premises with perishable items, and that's going to be an additional cost now if we don't get to reopen.

"We're in the wholesale food business - I've had so many calls over the last number of days asking 'are we reopening? Are we getting back?'

"We have a warehouse full of perishable goods here that we're going to have to try and get out the door.

"It's an ongoing challenge, and it has a knock on effect."