Leo Varadkar has told publicans that it's 'unlikely' bars and restaurants will reopen properly in time for Christmas.
In a conference call with ten business groups hosted last night, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment said the country would likely be on Level 3 restrictions when the country comes out of lockdown on December 1st.
Level 3 restrictions would mean indoor dining would be banned, with limits of 15 people outdoors at pubs and restaurants.
CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Adrian Cummins, says 30% of their income is made during Christmas:
"If we don't have an opportunity to trade during December, and that 30% of income doesn't come into our businesses - it's game over for at least 50% of [those] that we represent", he said.
"It's that serious."
