The barstools stand empty, the chatter stilled for now…
A recent article from journalist Liam Collins of the Sunday Independent celebrates Ireland’s pub culture. As Ireland’s pubs closed, the realisation of just how much some of us love them became very apparent, writes Liam Collins. There I was, last Sunday, sitting outside the Blue Light having a quiet pint looking at the panorama of […]
Publicans seek understanding from landlords as reality of closure bites
The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) is asking landlords to meet with their tenants and come to a mutually acceptable agreement about rent payments during the enforced closure of pubs across the country. A significant number of pubs are run by publicans who are renting the premises from landlords. With the Government order last week […]
VFI & LVA slam insurers refusal to cover members
The Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) and the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) have slammed insurers who are refusing to honour the ‘Business Interruption’ cover for pubs who have been forced to close due to the COVID-19 crisis. The representative bodies have received confirmation from Allianz and FBD, two of the largest providers of business interruption […]
Guinness announce €1.5 million fund to support bar staff & communities
Guinness will provide financial support to bar staff and vulnerable groups as we face unprecedented challenges from the impact of COVID-19. Guinness announced on St. Patricks day, the establishment of a €1.5 million fund providing support to communities affected by COVID-19 in Ireland. The fund will see €1.2 million go to support bar staff, alongside a […]
All pubs to close from tonight
All pubs to close from tonight Government strongly advises against any ‘House Parties’ Following discussions today with the Licenced Vintners Association (LVA) and the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI), the Government is now calling on all public houses and bars (including hotel bars) to close from this evening (Sunday 15th March) until at least […]
Vintners to seek clarity at Government meeting
The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) will seek urgent clarity from Government at a meeting later today in light of events since last Thursday’s introduction of guidelines about social distancing for indoor venues. Padraig Cribben, VFI Chief Executive, says: “Publicans have tried their best to implement social distancing guidelines but for many it’s proved an […]
VFI says publicans need clarity about Coronavirus advice
The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) is calling for urgent clarity about how pubs should implement government advice about mass gatherings. A number questions arise following this morning’s announcement by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, TD, that although schools and crèches are closing, pubs remain open. Questions include: Are smaller-sized pubs to be treated differently to […]
Publicans guided by Chief Medical Officer instructions
In response to demands from the Green Party to close pubs for the next two weeks, the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) says its members will follow any instructions from the Chief Medical Officer, the Expert Advisory Group and government. It is important that decisions about how best to mitigate the impact of the Coronavirus […]
Unprecedented challenge facing hospitality sector – VFI Statement
While the cancellation of St Patrick’s Day parades nationwide is a blow to the hospitality sector, public health is of paramount importance and publicans fully support the government’s decision. Padraig Cribben, VFI Chief Executive, says: “We need to work together as a society to combat the coronavirus and, if the situation in Italy is replicated […]
GE 2020 – How will parties tackle VFI Issues?
General Election 2020 – what the parties are saying about key VFI issues The VFI has identified six key issues for General Election 2020. Introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing Insurance reform Support for rural transport schemes Lower Excise Duty Balanced regional development Reduce VAT rate We’ve studied party manifestos to see what commitments each party […]
VFI call for Minimum Unit Pricing ahead of General Election
As part of its manifesto for the upcoming general election, the Vintners Federation of Ireland is calling for the immediate introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing along with a reduction in excise duty and the hospitality VAT rate. Speaking at the launch of the Federation’s manifesto, VFI Chief Executive Padraig Cribben stated: “On Saturday 8th February, […]
VFI strongly opposed to mandatory calorie counts on menus
The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) says it is strongly opposed to the introduction of calorie counts on menus. The VFI represents publicans throughout Ireland, many of whom serve food and will be adversely impacted by proposed legislation to introduce calorie counting. Earlier this week the Department of Health issued a consultation document inviting publicans […]