Vintners' Federation try again for ban relaxation
The Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) is pleading with the Government for some form of relaxation of the smoking ban legislation and the 9pm watershed involving families, as reports from 6,000 members throughout the country confirm loss of business.
The call follows a very heated National Executive Council meeting held in Dublin today.
"If the current situation continues then it will exacerbate the damage already done to the Irish pub and the tourism industry and the jobs already lost, said VFI president Seamus O’Donoghue.
“Publicans and hoteliers simply cannot sustain the current loss of business and the Taoiseach and the Government must take the situation in hand and commit to some form of compromise.
"We must be in a position to provide a reasonable service for customers who smoke, providing an area or room removed from the bar area where they can have their cigarette.
“Trade has dropped off dramatically and many customers now arrive later and stay for shorter periods.
“Once the summer season ends and the weather becomes more inclement further loss of business and employment is inevitable.
"In addition to the smoking ban, the 9pm ban on families with children is also devastating our business and I have no doubt devastating family holidays.
“Overseas visitors simply cannot comprehend this.
“They believe and expect that they should be afforded the right to have their children accompany them in the evening, which is what family holidays are about.”
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