The drinks industry here has appealed to the Government to work with industries most impacted by the Covid-19 crisis to develop a joined-up roadmap for the reopening of the hospitality sector.
Representative body, Drinks Ireland, says a plan needs to be put in place urgently to ensure the industry, which supports over 90,000 jobs, continues to deliver for the economy here.
It says the pandemic has severely hit the drinks industry here through the closure of pubs, restaurants, hotels and clubs, and the imposition of restrictions on many off-licence outlets.
That situation has also been replicated around the world in markets where many Irish drinks producers export to.
This has increased pressure on producers, even threatening some with viability, it claims.
"From the on-trade closing, to exports slowing and visitor centres closing, revenue streams are under severe pressure and it is vital that a range of supports and measures are put in place to support jobs and to allow the sector to continue delivering for the Irish economy," said Patricia Callan, Director of Drinks Ireland.
"The sector is comprised of many small and craft producers, supporting local economies in towns and villages around Ireland, but also large businesses that deliver huge exports and exchequer returns for the country, and who have valuable expertise from operations in export markets to help support the safe re-opening of the hospitality sector here."
The body has put forward a seven-point plan which is claims could help secure the future of the industry here, including allowing drinks producers to continue manufacturing in accordance with protocol.
It has also encouraged the Government to support Irish drinks exports by employing graduate brand ambassadors for at least a year in key markets.
A roadmap for the reopening of the hospitality sector is also required, it says, as well as support for domestic tourism when visitor centres re-open.
The industry also wants urgent cashflow supports put in place, including VAT and excise deferral and permission to be granted for craft producers to sell directly online.
It also wants a reciprocal agreement with the US on the elimination of all tariffs applied as a result of recent disputes.
Meanwhile, Dublin publicans have claimed that all hospitality businesses that serve food and alcohol must be treated the same when restrictions are lifted.
The Licensed Vintners' Association's (LVA) call comes in response to suggestions that restaurants and cafes may reopen in 'early Phase 2’, while pubs stay closed until 'later phases’.
The LVA says the majority of its members have restaurant certificates and must be allowed to open at the same time as other similar businesses.
It says Bord Bia research shows more food is served in pubs than in full service restaurants or cafes.
As a result it would be "completely discriminatory" to allow restaurants or cafés to serve food while pubs were forced to remain shut, it claims.
