Hundreds of pubs in Dublin are planning to reopen as restaurants next month.
While restaurants and cafés will be allowed reopen at the end of next month under the Government's reopening plans, pubs and bars would remain closed until August 10th.
However, a survey by the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) shows 44% of pubs in the capital plan to reopen as restaurants - a number which the LVA says means over 330 businesses could be making such plans.
It has led to calls from the organisation for the Government to engage with the sector, saying they're still waiting for a promised meeting with officials to discuss the reopening plans.
Chief Executive Donall O'Keefe said food and drink will be sold in any reopening businesses.
He explained: "Clearly we must comply with the social distancing requirements, and we'll certainly do that.
"But we've always felt that the hospitality sector should be treated equally - be subject to the same conditions and restrictions, and have the same opportunity to trade.
"Our members cannot remain in limbo and are now actively planning for re-opening on the same basis and at the same time as restaurants."
Mr O'Keefe said pubs would reopen primarily as 'food-led' businesses, but that they would be selling alcohol if customers look for it.
