Things could be looking up in summer.
Overall, the start of 2021 hasn’t been quite what we’d have pictured if you’d asked us 18 months ago. But hey, nothing that’s been the story for a while now. However, some light could be at the end of the tunnel come summer, as we might just get a trip to the pub… finally.
Speaking at a press conference, An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said that it was “likely” that pubs and restaurants would be allowed to reopen in June or July. He added that he is “increasingly confident” that Ireland will have both indoor and outdoor dining come the end of July. Full plans for the return to hospitality are reportedly being drawn up, set to be published by the end of April.
Varadkar said that, should Ireland continue moving in the right direction, the Cabinet will set out what restrictions can be eased throughout May, as well as creating a timeline for further plans for June and July.
Leo Varadkar said: “We would expect to be in a position at the end of April to give an indication as to how hospitality might reopen across the course of June or July.
“We have no deep detail on that yet, but the evidence is that outdoor dining is much safer than indoor, but it is hoped to get to the point where both will be possible. And, you know, I’m increasingly confident that it will be possible.”
Currently, the hospitality industry is still restricted to takeaway food and deliveries only.