€9 Food Doesn't Prevent COVID19

It has been revealed that under Phase 3 of the easing of Irish COVID19 restrictions, that some pubs will be allowed to re-open on the 29th June, while other pubs will have to wait until 20th July, three weeks later.

What separates these two categories of pubs you may ask. Well it's the price of their food.

It has been stated that pubs hoping to open at the end of the month will have to serve substantial plates of food costing at least €9. Like much of how the caretaker government has tackled COVID19, this measure is focused on Dublin, where you would likely have to apply for a long term loan to buy a Soup&Sandwich Combo.

Many pubs around the country make an effort to keep their customers happy with a bit of grub, but sadly this doesn't quite cut it.

But while the nation discusses the price of pub grub, the science behind tackling COVID19 seems to be completely cast aside. Overpriced food was never previously mentioned as a solution to the COVID19 Crisis, but somehow it now determines whether or not a business can re-open.

Outside of Dublin this plan seems like madness, and as expected is very vague. So here are some questions:

. Can a pub re-open if it serves substantial food for less than €9?

. Can a pub re-open if it serves sandwiches that cost more than €9?

. Can a pub use a catering service to meet the food requirements?

. Why can a small pub that serves food open before a large pub than can implement social distancing, but doesn't serve food?

And while we all get into a frenzy over which pub can open when, all pubs in the North will be opening on 3rd July. So if you fancy a pint without the food , pack your bag and book a B&B.

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