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 larger venues given social distancing is easier in bigger premises?
• What social distancing advice should publicans implement?
• Should pubs cancel events over 100 people or reduce the event size?
• Pubs are at the sharp end of this crisis and will need urgent assistance and forbearance – what is the government plan?

VFI Chief Executive Padraig Cribben states: “This is a national emergency which requires all of us to do our part. Having said that we require clarity about how pubs should implement social distancing and restricting their premises to 100 customers. Right now, there is little information about how to manage the unfolding situation.”