Guinness have announced a €1.5 million fund in support of bar staff who have lost their job and elderly people affected by the coronavirus crisis.
There will be €1.2 million given in support of bar staff, and €300,000 donated to ALONE Ireland's befriending service which supports the elderly.
Thousands of people have lost their jobs suddenly as pubs, shops and restaurants across Ireland shut due to the growing COVID-19 virus.
Oliver Loomes, Country Director of Diageo Ireland said: “We have been supporting the licensed trade in the last week through what is an unprecedented period as we all work together to keep people safe through the closure of licensed premises across the country.
“Today we are announcing an additional support of €1.5 million, including €1.2 million to bar staff, and we will be working with our partners in the trade, The Licensed Vintners Association and Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI), on how we can support bar staff to maximum effect using this funding in what is a very fast-moving situation.”
Donall O'Keeffe, CEO, Licensed Vintners Association said: “These are unprecedented times and it’s important that we pull together and show solidarity among the bar community.
"In addition the funding for services for older people is much needed and builds on the partnership that we already have in place with ALONE and Guinness addressing isolation among our elderly community”.
VFI Chief Executive Padraig Cribben said: “With the closure of pubs around the country in a bid to protect their local communities, it reminds us of the importance of looking out for each other through these most challenging times.”
Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE added: “This support will help us to continue to provide vital services to older people who need additional support and are experiencing increased social isolation at this time."
