The vast majority of Dublin pubs are opposed to any plan that would allow restaurants to open while pubs stay shut.

A new survey from the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) has found that 60% of pubs believe they will not survive if they are forced to remain closed until next year.

Several warned that they are already unlikely to reopen their doors.

It is believed health officials are considering a phased plan for lifting restrictions that would see cafes, restaurants and shops allowed to open by mid-summer; however, the proposals would keep pubs closed until later in the year.

Pubs shuttered up in Temple Bar on Day 25 of the lockdown, 21-04-2020. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews

According to the LVA survey, three quarters of Dublin pubs would oppose the move.

The association pointed to Bord Bia figures which suggest that 16% of ‘out-of-home’ food is consumed in pubs – compared to 14% in restaurants.

The survey also found that nearly 70% of pubs are willing to open with restricted capacities, following strict public health and social distancing guidelines.

LVA Chief Executive Donall O’Keeffe said there is a “strong feeling amongst Dublin publicans that all food providers should be treated the same.”

“Most Dublin pubs have restaurant licenses and believe they will be able to implement the same approach to the guidelines as adopted by the wider food service sector,” he said.

“They would also be deeply opposed to a scenario where restaurants were permitted to reopen but pubs who serve food had to stay shut.

“That would be discriminatory and we are already starting to see a massive outcry across the Irish pub sector about different rules potentially being applied to restaurants and pubs.”

Pubs shuttered up in Temple Bar on Day 25 of the lockdown, 21-04-2020. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews

Mr O’Keefe said pubs across the country are “deeply conscious” of the need to protect public health and are ready to follow any guidelines that are put in place for their reopening.

“We acknowledge that the restricted trading could be challenging,” he said.

“Any restricted opening along these lines will involve a significantly reduced capacity and a dramatic change to the pub experience as we know it.

“However, if this can be implemented in other hospitality businesses, then Dublin publicans can adopt a similar approach and want to have that option.”

Pubs shuttered up in Temple Bar on Day 25 of the lockdown, 21-04-2020. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews

He said the potentially for so many pubs to go out of businesses if they cannot open their doors is “really startling” and noted that it is “massively concerning” to see some warning that it is already too late for them.

“That is a sad and scary prospect for the entire pub sector operating in Ireland,” he said.

“From the outset of this crisis, pubs have supported the public health measures which were introduced, but we can’t ignore the human and economic impact this is having on the licensed trade.,” he said.

The survey found that pubs have enjoyed strong support from their supplier and banks; however, the “reverse is true” for the insurance sector.

“More than half the industry appalled by their behaviour,” said Mr O’Keefe.

“With insurance companies putting forward excuse after excuse and acting in bad faith when it comes to honouring policies, we are continuing to press the Government and the Central Bank to hold them to account.

“So far all we’ve had is lip service from some of the insurance companies.”

He said the sector will need substantial government support if it is to survive through the crisis.