“Can’t put a date,” but if the Covid spread is declining, wet pubs can be reopened soon – Varadhkar

Tánaiste says, Ireland is the only European country where alcohol-serving pubs are closed. Leo Varadhkar commented after it was revealed that the NPHET is working on protocols that will allow pubs to reopen in the future.

He said clusters have rarely been reported in pubs, so if the rate of spread of the virus is declining, wet pubs across the country can be reopened soon.

While speaking to the press, he said, “I would like to see them being given a chance.” But he also commented that, he “can’t put a date.”

Most businesses, such as pubs that serve food, have proven that they can follow guidelines, he added.

Under strict rules, pubs serving food were allowed to reopen on 29 June, but other pubs would have to remain closed.

Over the past two weeks, he said the key priority of the government has been on the effective reopening of schools, and for that the rules had to be tightened again in the run-up to this.

“So, yes it is true that Ireland is stricter than most European countries when it comes to rules around pubs, around gatherings, around international travel. But I think we’d all like to see the current rise in new cases level off and start falling before we make any decisions,” said Varadhkar.

Varadhkar announced a €16 million support package after confirming that pubs in the country would not reopen.