Raising the Bar
24th June 2020

Guinness today (24th June) announced a new €14 million fund called ‘Raising the Bar” to support the recovery of pubs across the Island of Ireland. This is part of a Diageo (maker of Guinness) global programme to support pubs and bars to welcome customers back and recover following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hilary Quinn (pictured), Marketing Director at Diageo Ireland said: “It is more important than ever to work with our partners to create a safe and sustainable night time economy together. This fund is really our commitment to the future of the local pub in Ireland and recognition of its essential role in the social fabric of this country.”
“Raising the Bar” will be a two-year programme available from July 2020. Through it, Diageo will provide $100 million to support the recovery of major hospitality centres in countries across the globe.
“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. From today, bar owners across all of Ireland will be able to register their interest for the “Raising the Bar” programme via www.mydiageo.com,” added Hilary.
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. 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.
Oliver Loomes, Managing Director of Diageo Ireland said: “The hospitality sector in Ireland requires long-term investment and support to get back up and running. Through this €14 million “Raising the Bar” Fund, our ambition is to support pubs in Ireland in welcoming back customers in the safest possible way, when they are ready to do so.”
The impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality sector has been widespread, with the closure of venues the world over. As governments begin to ease lockdown measures, the public want to come together again to connect with their community and socialise safely. By providing access to free digital support, technology, training and equipment, Diageo aims to help any bar, anywhere open its doors again.
To register interest in the “Raising The Bar” fund simply log on here>> More details will be announced in July.