The owner of a family pub has called for pubs to be reopened at the same time as cafes and restaurants. "It's devastating for family pubs to close because they are embedded in the community and respected by everything in the community. They also give to the community as regards sponsorship"We have a very uncertain future ahead, we don't know where it is going. Mr Harding said that, while it may be difficult, it would be possible for pubs to reopen while still allowing customers to follow social distancing guidelines. "It's well known throughout the country that pubs are suffering anyway and it's well within our remit to include social distancing and reopen and be profitable."

Source: Irish Independent April 30, 2020 16:52 UTC