A proposal has been made for pub and restaurant vouchers of at least €100 for every household

The Government has heard a proposal which could see every household in Ireland receive vouchers for pubs and restaurants in a bid to save the hospitality trade.

The scheme was proposed at an Oireachtas Committee hearing yesterday and is reported to have received “widespread support” from those present. If it goes ahead, vouchers of €100 and €150 would land in homes across the country, to be spent in pubs, restaurants and hotels when restrictions allow.

At yesterday’s hearing, Licensed Vintners Association representatives told the Government that the €9 food rule which was in place last summer should be abolished this year. They also want to see so-called “wet pubs” open alongside their counterparts that serve food. The group heard from Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) chief executive Adrian Cummins, who told them that hospitality businesses are on the brink of collapse, 50% of restaurants face permanent closure, we need a plan for reopening. We need a plan to re-employ staff, and above all, our industry needs hope.”

(header pic: Shutterstock)

READ NEXT: TD calls for “Level 3 for June and Level 2 for July” as Government prepares for restrictions update