Pubs in rural Ireland and tourist destinations shouldn't be punished and prevented from reopening due to the behaviour of a small number of people, Labour leader Alan Kelly has said. The wider reopening of pubs from coronavirus restrictions on July 20 is at risk over concerns about social distancing outside bars. Mr Kelly was asked if the wider reopening of pubs should take place on July 20 given the scenes at the weekend. He said there are communities and tourist areas that are "very much dependent on public housing opening on July 20." He pointed to the Wild Atlantic Way and Hidden Heartlands tourist areas and how there have been campaigns to encourage people to holiday at home in Ireland.

Source: Irish Independent July 07, 2020 12:45 UTC