Waterford hospitality industry "devastated" by Level 3 move...

THE hospitality industry in Waterford has expressed serious concerns over the countrywide move to Level 3 of the 'Living with Covid Plan'.

Publicans and restaurateurs expressed their shock and upset to Damien Tiernan on 'Deise Today' this morning.

As of midnight tonight, all counties are moving to Level 3 restrictions which previously applied only to Dublin and Donegal.

Waterford now has the lowest incidence rate of Covid in the country and the upgraded Level 3 status has consequently caused upset in the county.

Under Level 3, restaurants can only provide takeaway service and outdoor dining while so-called 'wet' pubs can remain open once they provide an outdoor service.

Cormac Cronin, owner of 'Bodega' restaurant on John Street, told Damien Tiernan today it was "distressing and disastrous" for the industry.

"Just having to contact staff again and they all have their families to support. It's not really surprising. We're heading back with our takeaway and delivery options this Thursday. That's the only option we have now. There is outdoor dining for 15 people but with winter, that's not viable really."

Mary Brady-Sharpe, third generation publican who is owner of Brady's in John's Park and a Waterford VFI rep, meanwhile, said it was her view this was essentially a 'Level 4' in fact, for the hospitality sector.

"I don't see who is going to want to sit outside on a cold, wet winter's night, eating and drinking. Be honest with us. We're not at Level 3 in hospitality. And that makes me angry."

Meanwhile, Neil Kelly of The Causeway Group, said they are "worried, confused and devastated".

He said that the industry has been left in limbo again and the move had posed more questions than answers.

"We had meetings this morning to try to understand what to do with staff. They've left us literally in limbo again and it's absolutely devastating..

Listen to Cormac, Mary and Neil below...