The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) has urged all restaurants, cafés and gastropubs to abide by public health guidance when they reopen.
RAI CEO Adrian Cummins stated, "We have issued the Fáilte Ireland guidelines to all of our members, including any updates as we get them. We encourage all of our members and the entire hospitality industry to follow the guidelines to protect staff and customers and to ensure a safe and prosperous Christmas trading period. For the safety of everyone and for the good reputation of the sector and the businesses who have worked hard and waited to reopen, I implore on all operators to do the right thing, follow the public health advice and implement the guidelines.
"We also ask our fantastic customers who have waited to come back through our doors to bear with us as we seek to make this a safe and hospitable environment for you to share with your friends and family. Please be understanding when it comes to safety procedures that you will be asked to follow, including wearing a mask when not seated, using hand sanitiser, providing details for contact tracing and booking for no more than six people. This is for the safety of all guests and staff."
Health And Safety Requirements
Restaurants, cafés, gastropubs and hotels that have their own kitchens are permitted to reopen their indoor dining areas from today (Friday December 4), subject to health and safety measures to continue to try to curb the spread of COVID-19.
As reported by rte.ie, eateries are required to serve each of their customers a substantial meal that is worth at least €9, and all food must be prepared onsite.
Pre-booking is required for venues in which a distance of two metres cannot be maintained between tables, and a maximum of six people are allowed to sit at one table.
Customers' dining time must limited to one hour and 45 minutes, unless there is a distance of two or more metres between tables.
One member of each party will be required to provide contact details for contact tracing.
Multiple bookings for the same group will not be permitted, nor will live or loud music.
Additionally, all eateries must be cleared of all customers by 11.30pm, and strict cleaning and hygiene protocols must be in place and followed.
© 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.
