There are calls for clarity in the Republic as restrictions continue to ease in Northern Ireland today.
Pubs, cafes and restaurants across the border are reopening for indoor dining today, while cinemas, gyms and leisure centres are also reopening.
From today in Northern Ireland, six people from two households will also be able to meet indoors in homes. Non-essential travel is now permitted to the Republic of Ireland and other parts of the Common Travel Area.
Meanwhile, pub and restaurant owners in the Republic are calling for answers and a reopening date. Outdoor trading will reopen on 7th June, but the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland says that is only the first step.
“This week, pubs in the North will reopen indoors three weeks after outdoor trading started there. We have said all along that pubs in the Republic should follow the same timeline, which would see our members reopen indoors by 1st July,” says Padraig Cribben, Chief Executive of the VFI.
“We can’t have a two-tier pub sector on the island for longer than a couple of weeks as already people are crossing the border to socialise. As we remain on course to have the vast majority of the population receive their first vaccination by the end of June, it follows that a full reopening of pubs should then be permitted.”
“The Government must bring finality to what has been a catastrophic period for the trade by announcing pubs can fully reopen no later than 1st July.”
The Restaurants Association of Ireland is continuing to demand scientific evidence over the government’s plan to reopen indoor dining for hotels only.
“There’s no difference in dining in a hotel restaurant than any other food service establishment,” says RAI CEO Adrian Cummins.
“Restaurants, gastro pubs and cafes should open in line with hotel restaurants on June 2nd.”
