Grogans Pub in Dublin is "cautiously optimistic" that their pub and others around the country will be able to provide outdoor service to customers on May 24 and that the substantial meal rule will not be in place.
In a post on social media, the popular Dublin pub said: "Two weeks until we finally (hopefully) have a date for reopening. Important that all hospitality reopens together and under the same circumstances."
When asked if the new reopening will be allowed without the 'substantial meal' ruling, they said that they're "cautiously optimistic" that will also be the case.
Earlier this week, the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) called on the government to provide a definitive date whereby outdoor service can resume.
The calls were made after Dublin’s traditional Pubs reached 400 consecutive days of closure.
In a statement, they said: " The LVA is urging publicans across Dublin to mark the day by contacting their local political representatives and urging them to ensure all pubs – traditional and gastro – as well as other hospitality venues, can start providing outdoor service from the week beginning 24 th May. Outdoor activity is widely acknowledged as being relatively safe and the LVA believes the end of May represents a reasonable timeframe for this activity to recommence."
The group also believe that indoor service for all pubs and hospitality should resume in June, in line with the reopening of hotels.
Donall O’Keeffe, Chief Executive of the LVA, has explained this logic for the June date and said: “Our members should also highlight that the risk profile is the same for indoor hospitality service in all venues – traditional pubs, gastropubs, restaurants and hotels. With hotels expected to reopen in June, all forms of hospitality should be allowed to resume indoor service from that point especially with the rollout of the vaccine due to have reached 80% of the adult population that month."
“We see no justifiable reason for any section of hospitality to be favoured over others. On the day Dublin’s traditional pubs reach 400 consecutive days of closure the tiered treatment needs to end," he said.
