Guinness today announced a new €14 million fund called 'Raising the Bar'.
This is part of a Diageo's global programme to support the recovery of pubs and bars following the COVID-19 pandemic.
'Raising the Bar' will be a two-year programme available from July 2020.
'In Ireland, the new programme will be focussed on the provision of practical equipment and confidence building measures needed for outlets to reopen and operate on a safe and sustainable basis,' the drinks giant said.
"Pubs and bars sit at the heart of every community," noted Ivan Menezes, chief executive of Diageo.
"We have launched 'Raising the Bar' as so many outlets have been impacted by this crisis and badly need help to open their doors again," he added.
Future Funding
Guinness said that it will 'consult with the on-trade as to how best to direct future funding over the two-year period'.
“It is more important than ever to work with our partners to create a safe and sustainable night time economy together. This fund is our commitment to the future of the local pub in Ireland," Oliver Loomes, managing director of Diageo Ireland said.
"It will also be essential for the authorities on this island to work together with our industry to build both a safe and a sustainable hospitality and bar sector,” he added.
From 24 June 2020, bar owners across all of Ireland will be able to register their interest for the 'Raising the Bar' programme here.
© 2020 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout.
