The opening of Pubs was last night pushed back to August 10th.
The Government should consider prohibition if house parties are leading to a rise in Covid 19 cases, according to the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI).
It'll now be August 10th before all pubs can open again after health officials voiced concern at a rise in the reproductive rate.
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Padraig Cribben the head of the VFI said members were “gobsmacked” by the decision to delay the reopening of pubs and night clubs.
He said public health data shows that the recent rise in cases is “basically down to two things” – travel and house parties.
“The real issue that we are seeing around the country is we are seeing house parties and we are actually seeing quite a growth in illegal shebeens growing around the country,” he said.
“Here is the question - if Government are really serious about tackling house parties, I think they have to look at whether they are going to be allowed alcohol to continue to be sold in supermarkets.
“I am asking that question because if the issue is around house parties and if the issue is around young people congregating, I am asking that question.
“If that is where the issue is emanating from, you have got to tackle where the issue is coming from.”
When asked whether prohibition should be introduced in Ireland he said: “Yes the Government should be looking at that.”
He also warned that with such low numbers of cases in recent weeks, the Government has now set too high a standard for the reopening of pubs
“What is going to happen in the next three weeks?” he said.
“What is going to be different this day three weeks to today that will give the Government the confidence to move forward on August 10th?”
