Winters warn that shifting to third level restrictions could result in 50,000 job losses in the pub sector

The public was warned that 50,000 jobs would be lost in the pub sector if it moved to third level control.

Vintners Federation chief executive, Padraig Cribben said: “There now must be an immediate return to the original Pandemic Unemployment Payment for pub staff along with liquidity supports that will allow our members re-establish their businesses once restrictions are removed.”

As the VFI, the level 3 restriction will be another “devastating development” for the pubs. This sector has already suffered a lot because of Covid-19 restrictions. Majority of the pubs were closed on March and was reopened two weeks ago and now they are forced to shutdown again.

It is made clear that there was an urgent need for the government to announce additional support for the pub business “including a substantial increase in the Restart Grant, although the VFI is warning there cannot be a repeat of the situation in Donegal, which was moved to Level Three 10 days ago, where pubs are excluded from the 30% ‘top up’ grant because technically they remain open.”

“While Government say these restrictions will remain in place for three weeks, we have learnt from bitter experience that reopening dates can move at the last minute. Our members face another prolonged bout of uncertainty at the worst possible time. Next week’s Budget is a crucial opportunity for Government to show its commitment to the pub sector by announcing a series of measures that will restore confidence to a battered trade.” Mr. Cribbens said.