DRAFT GUIDELINES for the planned reopening of all pubs across Ireland have been leaked online.
Details from the 25-page “living document” have been published online by the Irish Mirror and offer the clearest idea yet of what can be expected.
The Irish Times was first to break the news that pubs would be allowed to reopen from September 14, provided they adhere to strict Covid-19 restrictions.
Now the document detailed by the Irish Mirror has given a clear idea of what those restrictions involved with bar service set to be banned and all pubs required to close by 11:30pm.
Many of the restrictions are notable for being identical to the ones in place at pubs serving.
Patrons will be privy to table service under the changes, for example, while tables will be limited to a maximum of six people from no more than three different households.
Those drinking alongside someone from a different house should also try to keep a minimum of one metre’s distance between them.
One of the most significant changes proposed will see an end to the 105-minute time limit on pub visits, provided a two-metre distance is maintained between different tables.
This can be reduced to one metre, however, if additional steps are taken to prevent the pread of coronavirus.
In all instances, seating will have to be reduced while employees in customer facing roles will be required to wear face covering.
(Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images)A strict queuing system will need to be established while the use of cash is to be discouraged in favour of card payments.
As part of the new guidelines, each and every reopening pub is also being asked to put together an “action plan” to show how it is incorporating these changes into its setup.
In addition to this, anyone purchasing food or alcohol on the premises will be expected to provide personal information and contact details to staff in the event of an outbreak.
These details will be kept for a maximum of 28 days.
While yet to be formally confirmed, the guidelines represent a major step forward for many pubs who had been fearing they would otherwise go out of business unless they were allowed to reopen.
For many, however, the restrictions could yet prove too severe to make operating viable.
Donal O’Keeffe, the chief executive of the Licensed Vintners’ Association, told the Irish Times the guidelines still represented a “huge restriction” on business.
“Not being able to use the bar is a very significant restriction for wet pubs and having table service only changes the dynamic,” he said.
He also expressed concern about the potential costs of complying with the new restrictions. O’Keeffe predicted that the reduced turnover most pubs will face makes further financial support for the sector as a whole “inevitable”.
