The "vast majority" of hospitality businesses in Ireland will not be able to keep afloat until the summer, according to the Restaurants Association of Ireland.
The sector's main trade group says the Government should commit to letting them open when enough people are vaccinated against COVID-19.
It comes as the Taoiseach says the Government will not consider reopening hospitality businesses until mid-summer.
The Restaurants Association of Ireland is also backing calls for stricter quarantine measures to allow the domestic market to get back to normal.
Adrian Cummins, chief executive of the organisation, says that would offer some certainty.
He told Newstalk: "We need to have a more rigid regime that protects our country and our economy as we exit out of lockdown, as we come to a position around the vaccination process.
"Otherwise, this will be a never-ending saga for the country for months, and possibly years, ahead.
"We have an opportunity now to save as many businesses as possible, making sure we roll out the vaccine programme as quickly as possible, get our economy open as quickly as possible within Ireland, protect the country from the variants and making sure the business supports are there for the next 12 months.
"That's what the Government must do, that's our view."
Text from a Restaurants Association of Ireland member today
“Adrian, my business is about to collapse, my landlord is demanding full rent while I’m closed. The payment from the Government only covers half my fixed costs - I’ve used up all my savings. Please do what you can”— Adrian Cummins 🇮🇪🇪🇺 (@adriancummins) February 20, 2021
Following yesterday's news, Mr Cummins called for legislation regarding mandatory quarantining to become law next week.
"If politicians across all parties are to provide leadership at this critical time" there needs to be "no more stalling", he said on social media.
"Otherwise, we are going around in circles and SMEs will collapse."
It follows comments by an infectious disease expert who believes the introduction of mandatory quarantine for people arriving in Ireland has been "way too slow".
Professor Sam McConkey said Ireland has not been fast enough in passing legislation providing for the mandatory isolation.
Licensing laws
Meanwhile, the Government is planning to announce new reforms of the country's licensing laws.
The plans will see Sunday pub opening hours extended and allow nightclubs to stay open beyond 2.30am.
The justice reform plan will be announced by Justice Minister Helen McEntee tomorrow, and is aimed at boosting the hospitality sector post-lockdown.
The Sunday Times reports that new categories of alcohol licensing will also be created for cultural venues and there will be special event licenses for one-off occasions like marquee weddings.
