16.07.2020

HOTEL BARS SERVING FOOD REMAIN OPEN

Hotel bars that serve food remain open for business and are not affected by the Government’s decision to delay Phase 4 of the reopening, the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has confirmed. Tim Fenn, Chief Executive, IHF, said that the Government’s announcement on Wednesday had led to some confusion among the general public. “Members today are answering queries from guests who are unsure about being able to obtain alcohol with their meal in a hotel bar.”

“Most hotel bars serve food and they were able to reopen at the end of June as they comply with the requirement to serve a substantial meal, as well as meeting other features expected of a restaurant. These hotel bars have clearance to remain open. The Government decision only requires bars and pubs which do not serve food to stay closed until Phase 4,” said Mr Fenn.

Hoteliers were disappointed at yesterday’s decision not to allow all hotels bars to reopen given the capacity of hotels to give ample social physical distancing.  “The health and safety of our teams and guests will always be our first priority. However, the decision doesn’t fully reflect that hotels have plenty of space which gives them greater flexibility to comply with the COVID-19 reopening protocols including safe social distancing requirements.”

The Irish Hotels Federation was also disappointed at the failure to increase the size of gatherings until 10th August. “It doesn’t fully reflect the capacity of hotels or their proven track record in managing large gatherings safely.  Many hotels across the length and breadth of the country have hosted gatherings of less than 50 guests safely over the past 18 days, since the date for smaller gatherings was brought forward, with no public health issues arising. Hotels have a proven track record of managing large events safely and it is very disappointing that this was not taken into consideration,” he added.

-ENDS-

FOR INFORMATION:

Seán Lawless /Ger McCarthy                                    

Weber Shandwick                                                        Mobile:  085 11 676 40 / 086 233 3590

 

Notes to Editor:

Tourism sector at a glance (prior to COVID-19 pandemic)

·        10.9 million out of state visitors

·        Tourism accounts for almost 4% of GNP

·        Total tourism revenue of €9.2 billion in 2019 (including carrier receipts)

·        Tourism industry created over 90,000 new jobs since 2011. Before the COVID-19 crisis it supported almost 270,000 jobs, equivalent to 11% of total employment in Ireland with over 65,000 of these jobs in the hotel sector alone.

·        €7.25 billion in foreign exchange earnings

·        €1.96 billion in domestic tourism revenue in 2019

 

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