Halifax Pub Gears Up For A Nearly Normal St. Paddy’s Day
HALIFAX–Saint Patrick’s Day is back in Halifax. The holiday was among the first causalities of Covid-19-related lockdowns in March of 2020.
Some even cancelled their celebrations entirely, including the Old Triangle Irish Alehouse. Owner Brian Doherty says it was the responsible thing to do to protect customers and staff.
Now, the province is just days from removing almost all its Covid-related restrictions.
“We have a lot to celebrate and we have a lot there that will keep everybody, I think, engaged and entertained,” Doherty says. “The glass is half-full.”
When the doors at the Old Triangle opened at 7 a.m. March 17, a long lineup was waiting outside to fill the pub.
Doherty says they’ve decorated as much as possible, have all the favourite beers and beverages ready, and they’ll be able to hold their traditional Irish breakfast and all-day events for the first time in three years.
He adds Saint Patrick’s Day is a major event for Irish pubs and it hurt not holding the celebration for the past two years.
Doherty says this year’s party will be the closest to normal since the pandemic began.
However, he says some restrictions still are in place, so they’ll be careful to enforce capacity limits and masking requirements.
Jack Morse is a reporter with CKHZ 103.5 in Halifax, a Huddle content partner.