Hospitality Sector reps have reacted with shock and devastation this evening following Government’s announcement of further restrictions on trading hours.
The Restaurants Association of Ireland says 60% of hospitality staff will be laid off Christmas week.
From Monday, all restaurants and bars, must close at 8pm and there should be no indoor events after this time, including cinemas and theatres.
A capacity limit of 100 is reintroduced for weddings and indoor events will have attendance cut to 50% of venue capacity or 1,000 people, whichever is lower. Attendance at outdoor events should be limited at 50%, or 5,000 people, whichever is lower.
“This has been a devastating blow for hospitality businesses and employees this evening,” said Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland.
“The majority of hospitality businesses rely on income from the Christmas period to see them through the quieter first two months of the year. The loss of income over Christmas is about more than just the festive season, it is about surviving the winter months.”
“It is imperative that financial supports are put in place immediately to offset the impact this will have for businesses and their employees and enable them to survive. As a sector and as a country we need better engagement on what the plan for living with this disease will be going forward. The current last minute reactionary approach is not working, we stand as always, ready able and willing to engage with Government on a plan for the survival and reopening of hospitality.”
