Publicans nationwide will turn on their Christmas lights at 5pm in a protest against what they're calling the "most severe hospitality lockdown in Europe."
Trade groups say half of the pubs across Ireland have seen just two weeks' trade in the last 37.
Today we’re proud to join forces with @Guinness Raising the Bar to launch #KEEPTHELIGHTSON which will see pubs across Ireland coming together to simultaneously switch on their Christmas lights this Friday November 20th at 5pm, highlighting their readiness for a safe reopening. pic.twitter.com/ZuUwphoC27
— LVA (@LVADublinPubs) November 19, 2020
Licenced Vintners' Association Chief Executive Donall O'Keeffe says bar owners and staff have been "disproportionately" affected by restrictions.
“Before the Covid-19 pandemic, 6 out of 10 people typically visited their local pub at least once a month."
"As part of this joint campaign with the Guinness Raising the Bar fund we hope that the public will also show their support for a safe reopening of their local as we enter a Christmas period that will be decisive in keeping the lights on in pubs around Ireland.”
