'Three Jolly Pigeons' owner questions basis for keeping pubs closed

The owner of one of Westmeath's best-known pubs, The Three Jolly Pigeons, said he doesn't believe a clear, scientific reason has been given for the decision not to allow all pubs reopen on Monday.

Seamus McCormack of The Three Jolly Pigeons, located between Glasson and Tang, had been preparing to reopen his business on Monday next, August 10, and he finds it difficult to understand why he and other publicans will not be given that opportunity.

"It's very hard to understand how, from a scientific or logical point of view, small rural pubs have a higher probability of spreading Covid-19 if they adhere to the same safety guidelines that have been published for other premises, such as hotels and pubs that are serving food.

"To differentiate on the basis of one pub selling alcohol and food, and one pub selling alcohol, and how that increases the risk of spreading the Covid virus, is very hard to understand," he told the Westmeath Independent.

He said pubs "led the way" when they opted to close in the interest of public safety in March, but nearly five months on they are still none the wiser as to when they can reopen.

"It's now being said that pubs might not be able to reopen until Christmas. Is there a scientific basis for that?

"Can it be shown that pubs which don't sell food are at greater risk of spreading Covid-19 throughout the community than restaurants, hotels, and other pubs that sell food?

"That is the question, and it's a major one because it's depriving people of a livelihood. This is like a 100% tax on your income. There are other sectors that may have suffered under Covid, but they didn't have to close down and lose 100% of their income."

He said publicans were fully prepared to implement necessary safety protocols but they weren't being given a chance to do so.

"It's very hard to logically conclude that we are a greater risk when we haven't been allowed to open and implement the safety guidelines that have been issued," he said.

"I'm just reflecting what most publicans are thinking and feeling. They can't understand it. People's livelihoods have been taken away from them.

"If we, as publicans, implement the safety guidelines, in relation to Covid, then there's no reason why we shouldn't be allowed open," he commented.

* For more reaction from local pubs, see next Wednesday's edition of the Westmeath Independent