Stakeholders are discussing the possibility of allowing 'wet pubs' to re-open later this month.
The Department of Health has drawn up draft guidelines.
They are in the process of sharing those with industry representatives.
While re-opening of all pubs is expected to coincide with the release of the government's new long-term plan for dealing with Covid-19.
It's believed that will be released on September 14th.
We've been marched up this particular hill too many times to get over-excited...but here's a positive start to the weekend #OpenThePubs https://t.co/szd9fBe9c5
— VFI (@VFIpubs) September 5, 2020
Wet Pubs Must Face No Additional Restrictions
CEO of the Licensed Vintners Association, Donal O'Keefe, says it's important there's no confusion over the rules when they do reopen:
All hospitality businesses, whether they are pubs, restaurants or hotels, should face the same guidelines, the same restrictions.
He added "...and they should have the same opportunity to trade."
"So a critical issue for us now is that wet pubs do not face any additional restrictions."
"They should face the same guidelines as pubs that serve food, restaurants and hotels."
