The Vintners Federation of Ireland, which represents publicans around the country, is asking landlords to help local pubs survive the coronavirus pandemic.
The VFI is asking landlords to meet with their tenant publicans and come to an understanding about rent payments during the nationwide shutdown of pubs during this health crisis.
The government asked all pubs in the country to close down earlier this month in order to prevent people from spreading Covid-19.
“Since the enforced shutdown we have worked with the banks, TV subscription services, drink suppliers and other suppliers to come to an agreement about forbearance and payment suspension for the coming months,” said VFI Chief
“The clear majority, understanding the crisis pubs are facing, have made meaningful efforts to accommodate our members,” he added.
“We need landlords to exercise the same understanding because there is little point in demanding money that isn’t there.”
“We need to work together to get through the current crisis. The relationships we strengthen now through mutually acceptable agreements will make the return to normal trading easier for all.”
This plea for help comes as the VFI has condemned those pubs which have chosen to open despite the governments guidance that they should close.
Though the initial guidance was a request, new emergency legislation passed last week gives Health Minister Simon Harris the power to shut down premises that are not complying.
Beyond just this shutdown, Minister Harris has said himself that “we will remember those who undermined the health and wellbeing of our people when it comes to renewing licences”.
