Pubs in Dublin could remain closed past the 21st of September due to rising cases of Covid-19.
The National Public Health Emergency Team is now considering further restrictions in the capital to curb the spread of the virus.
CEO Donal O'Keeffe has accused public health doctors of having an anti-pub agenda:
"They have worked to keep pubs closed, since we closed voluntarily last March."
"We think the time to re-open has come."
"These businesses have not made any contribution to the infection rate in this country."
"They have been closed for six months - they are not the source of the problem."
"NPHET need to direct their attention to the source of the problem, and that cannot be emerging from closed pubs."
Last time on the high stool for a while but we are relieved to be getting the chance to reopen 🤞@VFIpubs @LVADublinPubs https://t.co/kXfF0WsW83
— Mellett’s Emporium (@melletts1797) September 9, 2020
Some Owners Will Default On Their Mortgages - LVA
The Licensed Vintners' Association says any extension of pub closures will mean some owners will default on their mortgages.
CEO Donal O'Keeffe says time is running out.
"By September 21st we'll have been closed for 189 days, it's had a ferocious impact on businesses."
"We simply cannot take another day's closure beyond that."
"So we're expecting to be allowed to re-open on September 21st as per the Cabinet announcement on Tuesday."
"We have mortgage payment breaks that are expiring at the end of September.
"If we're not open by then the government, by not allowing us to open, is pushing pubs into default."
