If we are going to keep the country’s pubs closed, we should go one step further and introduce prohibition.

That is according to the head of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, Padraig Cribben.

He was speaking after the Government delayed the final phase of the roadmap for reopening, leaving the rest of the country’s pubs unable to open their doors for a further three weeks.

There were 14 new cases confirmed in Ireland yesterday.

On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Mr Cribben said VFI members were “gobsmacked” by the decision – noting that pubs will have been shut for five months by the expected opening date of August 10th.

He said public health data shows that the recent rise in cases is “basically down to two things” – travel and house parties.

“The real issue that we are seeing around the country is we are seeing house parties and we are actually seeing quite a growth in illegal shebeens growing around the country,” he said.

“Here is the question - if Government are really serious about tackling house parties, I think they have to look at whether they are going to allow alcohol to continue to be sold in supermarkets.

“I am asking that question because if the issue is around house parties and if the issue is around young people congregating, I am asking that question.

“If that is where the issue is emanating from, you have got to tackle where the issue is coming from.”

Social Distancing measures in place in Toners Pub on Baggot Street in Dublin, 30-06-2020. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews

Pressed on whether he was really calling for the introduction of prohibition in Ireland he said: “Yes the Government should be looking at that.”

He warned that, with such low numbers of cases in recent weeks, the Government has now set too high a standard for the reopening of pubs

“What is going to happen in the next three weeks?” he said.

“What is going to be different this day three weeks to today that will give the Government the confidence to move forward on August 10th?”

Inside the 'Gravediggers' pub beside Glasnevin cemetery, Dublin, 10-04-2014. Image: Brian Lawless/PA Archive/PA Images

He said yesterday’s extension of the restrictions has done nothing to tackle the causes of the increase in cases.

“I fear that we are going to end up three weeks down the road working on the hope that things will change,” he said.

“Bear in mind, hope is not a strategy.”

Your can listen back to the full segment here: