A number of Irish publicans have said they are refusing to reopen their pubs for indoor dining in order to protect their invaccinated staff.
Indoor dining is set to get the go ahead next Monday July 26 with plans in place to allow vaccinated people and those who have recovered from Covid-19 in the last 6 months to dine indoors.
However a number of bar owners are refusing to open as many of their younger staff are yet to be vaccinated.
Currently the vaccination portal is open for anyone aged 18 onwards as vaccines supplies in Ireland have ramped up in recent weeks.
However the HSE is still working through the population with thousands of more people yet to be vaccinated in the coming weeks.
The last age group to be vaccinated under the program is those aged between 18 and 24.
Clohessy's Bar in Limerick says they will not be opening their doors due to the current government guidelines set out, and will remain closed until they can "open for all."
In a statement posted on social media, the Limerick bar labelled the guidelines for reopening "unfair".
It says: "We at Clohessy's Bar Limerick regret to say that we will not be opening in line with the current guidelines that only cater for a certain group of society.
"We feel that it is unfair to do so and will remain closed until we can open for all."
Meanwhile Glynn’s Bar in Oranmore, Co Galway are also refusing to open as they do not want to put their staff at risk.
The bar has recently investd heavily in their outdoor area which they will use to accommodate customers until they are ready to reopen.
A statement on their Facebook page read: "In view of the surge in the. Covid-19 cases and considering the health and safety of our staff, most of whom are under 20 or early 20s and unvaccinated, we've decided not open inside and continue on as we are with outside hospitality in our extensive beer garden.
"Thank you for your understanding."
