Pub chiefs have hit back at claims made on TV by the Minister of Health that bars and clubs are not doing their bit to halt soaring Covid-19 infections.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly accused the hospitality industry of not adhering to Covid rules like checking vaccination certs.
The minister claimed that the sector is not doing enough, ruled that greater enforcement is needed, and urged people to pressurise premises if they do not check Covid certificates.
He said: “Does there need to be more enforcement? Yes. They are not doing what they need to do. There are thousands of inspections.”
The minister was speaking on RTE’s Prime Time on Tuesday night after the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) had earlier confirmed 3,726 new cases of Covid-19, the highest daily tally since January 14, when 3,955 cases were reported.
In a response to the Irish Mirror, Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) chief Padraig Cribben said: “The most recent official data from the Bank Holiday weekend indicates ‘very high levels’ of compliance with Covid restrictions within the hospitality sector.
“The requirement to inspect a customer’s vaccine pass is a hugely important part of the current restrictions.
“We have consistently stated that any venue not complying should feel the full force of the law.”
He added: “Non-compliance is not only dangerous from a public health standpoint, but it also negatively impacts the rest of the pub sector that is doing its best in extremely difficult circumstances.”
Proof of vaccination with a Digital Covid Certs has been needed to eat or drink in cafes, pubs and restaurants since July and new guidelines were drafted for nightclubs after they reopened on October 22.
It is not the first time that the hospitality sector has been upset by criticism.
