Pubs to keep staggered opening hours even when restrictions lift

The slow pace of recovery in Ireland’s pub industry is in stark contrast to the UK, where brewer and pub operator Marston’s has become the latest to report a return to pre-Covid sales levels. 

Remaining restrictions — including those on indoor hospitality — are due to be lifted next week

The pub trade is expected to take a long time to recover to pre-pandemic sales levels, with many bars still likely to voluntarily close on certain days of the week, due to staff shortages and other issues.

Remaining restrictions — including those on indoor hospitality — are due to be lifted next week, but this has been thrown into doubt after Taoiseach Micheál Martin said yesterday that he cannot guarantee society will reopen fully as planned on October 22.