But more immediately, as catering representatives meet Government today there is an urgent need for clarity and fairness for those engaged in managing and working in pubs and restaurants. The delay on reopening last week appeared the best option among a range of rather grim choices facing Government. While the Government has come up with reasonable monetary supports for the catering trade, it is clear that many fragile businesses in that sector are now teetering on the brink. It is also undeniable that the decision to delay reopening last week could and should have been taken earlier. For today’s meeting it is unclear what new information the Government side will have to give clear answers to the catering trade representatives.

Source: Irish Independent July 05, 2021 01:30 UTC