Two groups representing publicans in Ireland are calling for a compensation package for their members if they are not allowed to reopen on 10 August.
The Dublin-based Licensed Vintners' Association (LVA) and the rural-focused Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) have said the sector is at "breaking point" after being closed for 140 days. "Pubs across the country cannot continue to be left in limbo," said Donall O’Keeffe, LVA chief executive. "It is creating intolerable pressure for publicans, their staff and suppliers. "With less than seven days to go until the pubs are due to reopen, we still don’t know what is happening.