Pubs reopening
The social distancing rule may be reduced for pubs and restaurants that serve food, but only if customers stay for 90 minutes.
Publicans say this would be a gamechanger for the industry but want more clarity.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has drawn up guidelines for the reopening of restaurants and pubs that serve food.
It indicates that they will be able to reduce the social distancing rules from two metres to one.
It’s understood those circumstances are that customers are in and out within 90 minutes .
Customers will also have to spend at least €9 on their meal and they’ll have to pre-book.
Fáilte Ireland spokesperson Paul Hayden said the food rules should not cause businesses any problem.
“The guidance there defines a substantial meal and puts a value on it,” he said.
“This is as defined by the Intoxicating Liquor Act of 1962 so that is the legislation that is in place and most businesses would understand that aspect of it."
It’s believed the official guidelines will be published tomorrow ahead of the reopening on June 29th.
