Ireland set to become the only country in the EU with a ban on indoor hospitality
Ireland is set to become the only country in the EU with a full ban on indoor hospitality in bars and restaurants from July 2nd.
This is according to a review collated by Drinks Ireland, based on the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) data base, and also from industry members across the EU, which have the most up to date information available.
The review, covering the 27 EU member states and also the UK, found that all countries, except for Greece, are currently facilitating indoor dining in restaurants and bars, with restrictions in place.
According to the Drinks Ireland analysis, Greece is scheduled to reopen indoor hospitality on the 2nd of July, which will make Ireland an outlier from that point.
Jonathan McDade, Senior Executive at Drinks Ireland said:
“This analysis illustrates that Ireland is an outlier in Europe with regards the reopening of indoor hospitality. Since the partial reopening of the hospitality sector here in early June, publicans and hospitality operators have proven themselves committed to, and highly capable of, delivering safe environments with stringent Covid measures in place. After one of the longest lockdowns in Europe, the June reopening has resulted in hugely positive consumer sentiment towards being able to enjoy a safe and sociable summer. Urgent clarity is now required from Government about July 5th.”
Drinks Ireland is the trade association within Ibec representing drinks manufacturers and suppliers. It is currently running a #TogetherAgain campaign, highlighting all the work that has gone in behind the scenes to get pubs ready to reopen safely.
Media contact – Colin Taylor, Q4PR, 0864671748