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231 Midlands Pubs Yet To Re-Open As Confusion Continues

Friday, 10 July 2020 07:15

They say there's a lack of communication from the government.

Members of the Westmeath Vintners' Federation are expressing serious concerns about the lack of guidance for pubs eligible to re-open from July 20th.

Chairman of the branch Liam Gilleran says a lack of communication from the government so far, means he is unable to give them any answers.

231 publicans in the midlands have yet to re-open their doors, 97 in Westmeath, 73 in Offaly and 61 in Laois.

The owner of Gilleran's in Mullingar says advice on seating at the bar counter needs to be amended:

The alcohol groups want the VAT rate on drinks to be cut from 23% to 9% for six months.

Drinks Industry Ireland and pub trade groups say it would be a "targeted measure" - badly needed by the 60% of pubs outside Dublin it says still haven't opened up again.

Figures prepared by those calling for the measure say it would cost €143 million over six months.

Mullingar's Patricia Callan, director of Drinks Industry Ireland, says pubs are only likely to do half as much business as last year between now and Christmas:

She doesn't believe the move won't encourage people to drink more:

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