Guinness has announced a new €14 million fund, called “Raising the Bar”, established to support the recovery of pubs across the Island of Ireland.
This is part of a Diageo global programme to support pubs and bars to welcome customers back and recover following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Raising the Bar” will be a two-year programme available from July 2020.
Through “Raising the Bar”, Diageo will provide $100 million to support the recovery of major hospitality centres, including: New York, London, Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Sydney and beyond.
Diageo designed the “Raising the Bar” programme following a global survey of bar owners to identify what they need to reopen after lockdown.
Their top priorities include hygiene measures, digital support and practical equipment to transform how their outlets will work.
In Ireland, the “Raising the Bar” 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.
Guinness will consult with the on-trade as to how best to direct future funding over the two-year period.
From 24 June 2020, bar owners across all of Ireland will be able to register their interest for the “Raising the Bar” programme.
Bar owners will receive regular updates on best practice training and resources and be able to participate in global surveys to share insights, as they build back their businesses.
Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive of Diageo said: “Pubs and bars sit at the heart of every community.
“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.
“We are calling on governments around the world to provide long-term recovery packages to help the hospitality sector.
“These businesses play an essential role in bringing people together to socialise and celebrate – something that we have all missed so much during this terrible crisis – and sustain hundreds of millions of jobs, often providing a first foot on the employment ladder for young people.”
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