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Almost half of hospitality sector could face liquidation if not re-opened soon

Almost half of hospitality sector could face liquidation if not re-opened soon

By Joleen Murphy

A manager of a Waterford Gastro Pub says there needs to be more certainty surrounding the hospitality sector.

This follows the Taoiseach's comments that the government won't consider reopening hospitality businesses until mid-summer.

Almost half of restaurants and pubs across the country could face liquidation if not re-opened soon according to the Restaurants Association.

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Speaking to Beat News, General Manager of The Reg in Waterford, Donal O'Brien says he is frustrated at the government's communication.

"It's a devastating blow to the industry to hear that that might be the case.

"It's astonishing how that information is being brought out to the public domain.

"You can see that in the space of two or three days, or two or three interviews, inconsistency in what is being said.

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"For example, does he mean the hospitality as a while won't open or drinking pubs won't open until the summer. Straight away there is uncertainty there."

Donal says re-opening to close again is not an option.

"The amount of out of date stock that has to be destroyed. We do understand that we have to sacrifice certain things but we would like a better idea of what.

"We don't want to open and close. Even from the staff Mental Health point of view, going in and out of work like a yo-yo or opening and closing like that, it's not good."

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Photo Credit: Pexels Images

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