“They have promised to meet us early in the New Year to map out the next 12 months but considering we thought the crisis would be over by now the trade is in a very dark place. Right now, Government is offering little advice. “Publicans are asking how we get to a stage where we can trade safely without restrictions. He added: “We are going backwards with little sense of what the future holds for the trade. Block booking of tables is also prohibited meaning there will be no Christmas parties this year. Representatives of both the VFI and the LVA met with the Taoiseach on Friday morning before the announcement of new measures.įrom Monday there can only be a maximum of of six people at a table in bars and restaurants. Vintners Federation of Ireland chief executive Padraig Cribben described restrictions on the pub sector as “extremely disappointing”. He said the employment wage subsidy scheme must be reintroduced at the old level and extended out until April. The restrictions that mean live venues can only operate at 50 per cent of capacity “means effectively that we are closed”. We need a plan in place to ensure the survival of the sector.” The clear failing by the Government to address the schools issue is why we are closed, no other reason.”ĭavid Morrissey, the proprietor of the Lost Lane nightclub off Grafton Street, said the sector cannot go on with the “starting and stopping - it just can’t continue. EU countries strive to reopen schools as debates rage over Covid-19 safety.Tens of thousands of Covid infections not captured in official figures.Four to stand trial over alleged role in Oireachtas Golfgate event.He described Mr Martin as a “very weak leader who is just doing what he is being told to do” and Mr Holohan as a “megalomaniac”. He predicted that the four week closure for nightclubs is just the start and they are likely to remain closed until April next year at the earliest. Tramline employs 55 part-time and full-time staff.

Mr Redmond intends to open up until Monday night when the clubs close again. It’s just not fair, but nothing surprises me with Micheál Martin and Tony Holohan, ” he said. He maintained all nightclub owners had followed the law in relation to ensuring that only vaccinated people got access to clubs, yet they were still forced to close. Mr Redmond owns Tramline in Dublin’s D’Olier Street and also represents nightclubs and late night bars within the Licenced Vintners Association (LVA). When nightclub owners adjusted to the midnight closing time by opening up earlier, the Government decided to shut the sector, he maintained. Mr Redmond said the decision to close nightclubs two weeks ago at midnight was made with a view to the sector taking the hint and closing itself. Nightclub owner Ian Redmond has accused the Government of treating the industry as the “whipping boys” of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Midnight video club