The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) is calling for equality for its members after recent media reports suggested that restaurants could open before pubs when the planned easing of lockdown restrictions is introduced.
Publicans say such a scenario would create a two-tier hospitality sector and would place pubs at a huge disadvantage on bar owners as they attempt to rebuild their businesses.
Proprietor Lilly’s bar in Sligo, Blaine Gaffney says allowing restaurants to open while pubs remain closed would be unfair:
