Kilkenny publicans to host coffee mornings as part of new campaign to reopen doors

Pub owners in Kilkenny are set to ramp up their activities in an effort to get their businesses back open again.

Publicans across the county this week received an email from the Chief Executive of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, (VFI) Padraig Cribben, informing them of the new campaign.

In the email – seen by KilkennyNow.ie – Mr Cribben describes the support package offered by the Government to publicans last Friday as “pathetic”, adding: “It was a slap in the face for members who are closed almost six months.”

Mr Cribben informed members that the National Executive of the VFI has agreed upon a new direction, which they hope will lead to their businesses reopening.

The six-point plan put forward by the VFI includes protests outside ministers and Government TDs’ constituency offices, which will begin from next Monday.

Over the coming weeks, VFI members from different counties will descend on Dáil Éireann to take part in the ongoing demonstrations. Thee VFI plans to use county groups to maintain a constant presence at Leinster House.

The VFI is also calling for a national day of protest, during which members will open their doors to the public, but only to sell teas and coffees. The VFI said it will make a large donation to the Irish Hospice Coffee Morning from monies raised from their action.

The VFI will continue their #SupportNot Sympathy social media campaign, while also issuing members with campaign posters to display outside their premises.

“We will keep fighting until our members are allowed reopen,” Mr Cribben’s email concluded.