The Irish government has announced that an assortment of hospitality venues will be permitted to reopen at the start of December, subject to health and safety measures to continue to try to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Hotels, Museums, Galleries And Cinemas
Hotels, museums, galleries and cinemas will be permitted to reopen on Tuesday December 1, with protective measures in place.
Restaurants And Gastropubs
Restaurants and gastropubs that have their own kitchens will be permitted to reopen their indoor dining areas on Friday December 4, and the substantial meal rule that was in place before the current level five lockdown period will remain in place. Additionally, all food must be prepared onsite.
Hotels will also be permitted to offer indoor dining services from December 4, subject to the same rules as restaurants and gastropubs.
Weddings And Organised Gatherings
Weddings with a maximum of 25 guests at the ceremony and reception will be permitted to take place.
No organised indoor gatherings will be allowed to take place, other than in cinemas, which will be required to limit capacity and put protective measures in place.
Organised outdoor events with up to 15 people will be permitted to take place, and the wearing of face masks is advised in busy areas.
"Wet Pubs"
Pubs and bars that do not serve, or so-called "wet pubs", will not be permitted to reopen their indoor areas, however, they will be permitted to continue to operate takeaway and delivery services.
As reported by The Irish Times, Taoiseach Micháel Martin stated, "Unfortunately, nothing in the research available to government supports any further reopening of so-called 'wet pubs' at this stage. I know how deeply frustrating this will be for business owners in this sector. I fully accept their goodwill about respecting guidelines, but the reality is that reopening indoor hospitality carries risks and there is only so far we can safely go.
"I want to reassure them that additional supports, over and above what is currently in place, will be made available to owners to help them into the new year and prepare for their eventual reopening."
© 2020 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
