A WATERFORD city publican has claimed that banning pubs re-opening for indoors until July is petty and vindictive - and doesn't respect the professionalism of publicans.
Martin Colbert of Norris' Bar off Barrack Street, said the perception is pubs could become crowded and dangerous but he believes indoor drinking would be in a safe and controlled manner by professionals.
Last weekend, there was much concern about outdoor gatherings on streets in cities.
Martin Colbert says the weather may not be as good for it this Bank Holiday weekend - but all that will happen is that people will gather in apartments and houses to drink instead.
"Instead of treating us as part of the solution, they (the Government) are treating us as though we are the most dangerous place on earth," he told Damien Tiernan on Deise Today.
"There are strict rules in place. We won't be putting our customers at risk. We will make sure they sign in and they wash their hands are are socially distant. They have an image in their head that just because some pubs have done things wrong (in the past year), that we are all the same."
At Norris', there is a bar, lounge and a small function room and as it stands (because of no outdoor area), the bar won't be able to re-open until July.
Martin Colbert said when it did re-open last year, they were able to work the two-metre rule and various other policies well.
They closed again post Christmas and he knew they would have to wait up to six months to re-open.
The bar had kept all their staff and were ready to go now.
But he said, he did have a couple of other issues with the rules for re-opening...
"We still won't be allowed to have people sit at the counter," he said. "I'm trying to explain to older customers who have been fully vaccinated, why they can't."
He also didn't agree with the 11.30pm closing rule for Saturdays, he said, as again, it would encourage people to gather in houses and apartments - he said - after that time.
He said young people, in particular, needed an outlet and it would be better for them to meet in a "safe and controlled manner" run by professionals.
Also, risks were less now that previously due to be people being vaccinated but also better educated regarding Covid. The lower hospital figures proved this and he said, businesses in the hospitality sector were following the rules to the letter.
You can listen back to Martin Colbert talking to Damien by clicking below here...
