Cinema group demands clarity on reopening date Pilots of large-scale events planned with small cultural events for 15 outdoors allowed from May 10th
Thu, Apr 29, 2021, 20:30 Updated: Thu, Apr 29, 2021, 22:15
The director of a large cinema group has called on the Government to immediately clarify when cinemas can reopen.
Minister for Culture Catherine Martin outlined what she described as the “first steps in our plan for reopening” the cultural sector beginning on May 10th, when galleries, museums, “other cultural attractions” and libraries, for lending only, can reopen.
This will coincide with the lifting of inter-county travel restrictions. Small organised cultural events may also take place outdoors from May 10th, for up to 15 people, which was “hand-in-hand with the upgrading of outdoor facilities” recently announced, and would be “much needed cultural experiences for both audiences and practitioners”.
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Restaurants have reacted to the Governmentâs latest plan to reopen the economy with âdisbelief, confusion and frustrationâ.
Hotel and guesthouse restaurants will be permitted to operate indoor dining options from June 2nd but independent restaurants, coffee shops and gastropubs will be restricted to outdoor dining only from June 7th.
Restaurants Association of Ireland chief executive Adrian Cummins called on the Government to publish âmedical and scientific evidenceâ deeming a hotel or guesthouse restaurant safer than other establishments.
âRestaurants, hotels, cafes and gastropubs have all followed and implemented the exact same safety protocols for diners since June of last year,â he said.
There will be a double payment of CRSS to help hospitality businesses reopen and the reduced 9 per cent VAT rate will stay in place until the end of the year.
Mr Varadkar said Government will set out a plan for the future of financial supports from July onwards at the end of May.
He said he wanted to make it clear it âwonât be a cliff-edgeâ.
Mr Varadkar said there could be a âmini-boomâ in the time ahead as people spend savings, but he said Government wanted to make sure financial supports are not withdrawn as spending dissipates.
The response to the pandemic was being financed with borrowed money, and the best way to service and refinance debt was through a rapid economy recovery.
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