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Half of Ireland\u2019s restaurants could close without a Government aid package next month, the industry has warned.<\/p>\nHalf of Ireland\u2019s restaurants could close without a Government aid package next month, the industry has warned.<\/p>\n
Taoiseach Miche\u00e1l Martin has said his administration will unveil significant measures in July to stimulate an economy stricken by coronavirus restrictions back into life.<\/p>\n
The Restaurants Association of Ireland is seeking rent cuts from landlords, official grants and greater flexibility from banks and utility companies.<\/p>\n
Chief executive Adrian Cummins said: \u201cUnless we get a July stimulus package, 50% of the restaurants will close and some have not even got to the starting line yesterday \u2013 they have closed already.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pubs and bars that serve food, restaurants and cafes were able to reopen in Ireland yesterday.<\/p>\n
They may lift shutters provided they can observe social distancing as the Republic continues to relax its coronavirus lockdown.<\/p>\n
A state stimulus plan was included in the coalition\u2019s program for government involving a new recovery fund to create increased demand and employment.<\/p>\n
Mr Cummins\u2019 organization has more than 2,000 members, from restaurants to gastropubs and coffee shops.<\/p>\n
He said eateries which would not reopen included those catering for tourists in places like West Cork or Connemara.<\/p>\n
He told D\u00e1il deputies owners were facing demands for 100% of rent bills and utility payments.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou will see a lot of businesses that will have to close their doors because the landlord is not playing ball.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll we are getting is tea and sympathy and asking for their full rent.\u201d<\/p>\n
The D\u00e1il\u2019s Special Committee on the Covid-19 Response took evidence from members of the hospitality industry on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Mr Cummins said: \u201cThis is so serious and we need that package of measures, grant aid, temporary wage supplement scheme.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need some sort of burden-sharing for the landlords where everyone has to take some cut.\u201d<\/p>\n
He claimed utility companies were targeting the restaurant industry seeking large deposits for connections.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone needs to step up to the plate in this crisis, the banks, the landlords, the utility providers.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said banks had provided no assurances.<\/p>\n
\u201cConsidering the Irish people bailed out the banks to the tune of 65 billion euro, the banks need to do a little bit more to help SMEs across the country.\u201d<\/p>\n
The program for government agreed between the parties said it would consider additional grants for small businesses and further direction on the state\u2019s wage subsidy scheme.<\/p>\n
Padraig Cribben, chief executive of the Vintners\u2019 Federation of Ireland, said: \u201cThis is not something that can wait, this is not something that can be long-fingered.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no point in coming in with something in the budget in October.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything needs to be in the July stimulus so that people can see what they are facing and can plan properly.\u201d<\/p>\n