The Vintners Federation of Ireland will urge the 4,000 pubs in its membership to close if so directed by State officials following a meeting with Government later today, the group said. “We are seeking urgent clarity on the situation regarding pubs and the guidelines on social distancing and what has been scant guidelines on how publicans can implement them. He said that it was easier for restaurants to enforce social distancing because they could take away tables, but the situation for pubs was much more difficult to manage. It comes as a growing number of pubs and restaurants have decided to close their doors due to coronavirus, some finding it difficult to implement social distancing measures. However on Saturday the State’s Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan, delivered a strong warning about compliance with social distancing measures.

Source: The Irish Times March 15, 2020 10:12 UTC