Restaurant owners bringing Government to court over being shut for June

Restaurant owners are bringing the Government to court over being shut for June.

The latest relaxation of restrictions agreed by Government sees the country’s 1,000 hotels - and the restaurants inside them - open for full service from next Wednesday, June 2nd.

But the rest of the country’s 7,000 bars and restaurants are limited to outdoor dining from June 7 and can’t bring people back inside until July 5.

The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) represents 3,000 restaurants and is up in arms over this, as they say it is completely unfair and there is no scientific evidence for the move.

The RAI has now moved ahead with a threat to sue the Government over the perceived discrimination.

06/10/2020 The Bank bar & restaurant which is closed on Dame Street during the Publication of COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic in Dublin's City Centre (Stock pic) (Collins Photo Agency)

RAI chief executive, Adrian Cummins, said: “Government’s decision to reopen indoor dining in Hotels on June 2 ahead of Restaurants, Gastro Pubs & Cafes is built on zero scientific or medical evidence.

“For that reason the Restaurants Association of Ireland will be challenging the Statutory Instrument next week.”