A Waterford restaurant owner has said he's 'not really surprised' that he may have to close his premises again on December 28.
It's reported that Nphet wants pubs and restaurants to close their doors again three days after Christmas in light of concerns about coronavirus figures at present and possible increases in that as a result of Christmas.
The Restaurants Association of Ireland has already warned that further closures will have a devastating impact on the hospitality industry and thousands of jobs.
Cormac Cronin from Bodega and Burzza restaurants on John Street in Waterford city spoke to Damien Tiernan on Deise Today this morning.
He said that for many premises, there would be no point opening again after Christmas Eve just for a few days, if a closure on Dec 28 becomes a reality.
"We were hoping to get to the 29th or 30th to have four or five days after Christmas," he said.
"But health of people is the most important. We will get over it and get through it. I can understand it is for the best. People just have to look after their loved ones and be safe."
He said the majority of restaurants and pubs which had re-opened had been completely in compliant with regulations but a few 'rogue' operators had not done things by the book.
He said it was difficult for restaurants to know what to do again in January with their businesses as the 'novelty factor' of takeaways and deliveries from the first lockdown in particular, had somewhat worn off.
You can listen back to Cormac Cronin, and others, on Deise Today this morning by clicking below here...
