Cork publicans plead for support as thousands of jobs are on the line

The future of 3,500 family-run bars which support 25,000 jobs directly, now depends on key government decisions over the coming days, according to Michael O'Donovan

The future of 3,500 family-run pubs, which support 25,000 jobs directly, is on the line said Michael O'Donovan of the Castle Inn, 99 South Main Street Cork City.Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Publicans braced for another delay in the reopening of pubs have warned that the sector will be decimated unless a financial support package is announced.

Amid mounting concerns over rising Covid-19 figures, Michael O’Donovan, the chairman of the Vintners Federation of Ireland’s (VFI) Cork city branch, said the future of 3,500 family-run bars which support 25,000 jobs directly, now depends on key government decisions over the coming days.