VFI: Government should offer publicans more support instead of extended opening hours

Monday, 22 February 2021 12:15

Justice Minister Helen McAntee is due to announce plans to extend the opening hours of pubs and clubs today.

Under the proposed legislation, Sunday pub opening hours would be extended and City centre nightclubs would stay open beyond 2:30am.

Pubs and clubs have been among the businesses worst hit by the pandemic and have been closed since Christmas Eve.

Speaking to RedFM News, Michael O'Donovan from the VFI in Cork says the timing of the announcement is unusual:

"Until we see it [the plan to extend opening hours] I suppose we can't make substantial comments on it. But the one thing is, it's a bit bizarre that it's coming out now when we're in February and we're not even sure when there's an opening point for trade so I think in the short term, it's probably more critical that supports are talked about for our trade, to get us through to a point of reopening. And I suppose this thing [plan for extended opening hours] would be something to look at in future months, possibly later in the year."