Ireland: Guinness brewing millions of extra pints ahead of summer reopening

Guinness have confirmed they will be five million extra pints at St. James’ Gate in anticipation of the high demand this summer as pubs reopen, the Irish Mirror reported on June 1.

Ireland’s pubs are set to be given the green light to reopen on June 7 after months shut due to Covid lockdowns.

And now the brewer of the nation's favourite tipple is coming to the rescue as it is ramping up their operations to ensure that fresh pints of the black stuff are available nationwide.

The company has been preparing for the day the pubs reopen their doors as they announced a €14 million fund called “Raising the Bar” last June so the pubs could emerge stronger from the pandemic.

This initiative has been providing the Irish pub and hospitality trade with vital services and expertise, allowing them to operate safely and securely.

Guinness has provided equipment and confidence building measures, aiding outlets to reopen this summer and to operate on a safe and sustainable basis.

The provisions for publicans range from technical solutions, such as access to online booking systems, training for staff and providing the essential physical equipment and infrastructure required for outdoor socialising.

More than 5,000 publicans have been given safety kits, staff uniforms and 125,000 litres of hand sanitiser for staff and customers.

Guinness have also helped owners upskill and gain vital COVID-19 Safety Training for their bar-staff and assisted in constructing over 1,200 outdoor spaces in pubs nationwide.

Hilary Quinn, Marketing Director Ireland, Diageo said: “Guinness is committed to supporting Irish pubs and the hospitality trade to emerge stronger.

“We’ve worked hand in hand with trade partners to provide vital solutions since lockdown measures were introduced on March 15 2020 and we will continue to do so through Guinness Raising the Bar.

"The initiative is our commitment to the future of the Irish pub which serves as the social hub at the heart of our communities; a place to connect, to converse, to share, to enjoy.

“The brewers at St James’ Gate and our quality teams across the island have been working flat out to ensure every outlet is fully equipped with fresh, beautiful Guinness, ready and waiting for people to enjoy those much-anticipated moments of reconnection and socialising again.”

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