Restaurateurs and vintners criticise decision to keep hospitality sector closed

"Any announcement about prolonged closures need to be accompanied by plans for increased supports," the VFI wrote on Twitter. File Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Restaurateurs and vintners have said the Government’s plan to keep pubs and restaurants closed until mid-summer will bring the country’s hospitality industry "closer to financial ruin and meltdown".

Industry representatives have been reacting to comments made by Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Saturday afternoon when he said that he didn't foresee hospitality recommencing "before the middle of summer."