Micheál Martin: No evidence for safe reopening of wet pubs

Micheál Martin: "Unfortunately, nothing in the research available to government supports any further reopening of wet pubs at this stage." File picture. 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said there is no evidence supporting the safe reopening of "wet pubs" before Christmas.

In his state of the nation address, in what will be seen as a major blow to the pub trade, Mr Martin said he could not support a reopening of pubs that do not serve food.