Pubs pose 'a particular risk to the spread of Covid-19', health officials warn

If pubs open at the end of the month, they will have to be stringently policed, health officials have warned. Fie Picture.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) yesterday advised that so-called "wet bars" which do not serve food should remain closed until at least August 31. It is the second time the government has postponed moving to Phase 4 of the reopening roadmap. 

The decision has attracted huge criticism from publicans, who say they have been abandoned.