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04th May 2020

Publicans in Ireland propose plans to reopen six weeks earlier than scheduled

Rudi Kinsella

pubs reopen Ireland

If the plans are approved, here’s how pubs will operate in the near future.

Publicans in Ireland have proposed a plan to convince public health officials to allow bars to reopen six weeks earlier than planned.

As it stands, pubs are not expected to reopen until 10 August at the very earliest, according to the roadmap released by the government on Friday night.

Both the Licensed Vintners’ Association (LVA) and the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) have announced that they are hoping new arrangements could see pubs opening from the end of June, along with cafes and restaurants.

In a statement released on Sunday, both organisations said that they will be putting forward radical changes to the normal operations of bars in order to protect public health.

A maximum of six people would be allowed at any table, and bars would become dispense bars only, with no sitting, standing or drinking at the bar allowed.

All of these changes will be as follows:

  • Bars will become dispense bars only with no sitting, standing, ordering, payment or drinking at the bar allowed.
  • Table service will be a requirement with pubs only serving customers seated at tables.
  • The numbers on the premises would be confined to no more than four per every 10 square metres.
  • A maximum of six people would be permitted at any one table.
  • Customers will be required to use hand sanitiser upon entry.
  • All customers must remain seated.
  • Staff will be fully trained in the new procedures. They will also be asked to maintain a safe distance from customers when taking orders and to wash their hands thoroughly every 30 minutes.
  • The utilisation of outdoor spaces to enhance social distancing.
  • Procedures implemented to ensure safe use of toilet facilities, which may include limits on the numbers using toilets at any one time.
  • No live music or DJs.
  • Gardaí / HSE will have the power to close any business who is flouting the public health guidelines.

Padraig Cribben, Chief Executive of the VFI said: “The public health restrictions will present real challenges to all hospitality venues, it doesn’t matter if they are a pub, a restaurant, a café or a hotel. There is no denying that and there is no getting around it.

“Addressing those public health requirements will be necessary for all hospitality businesses whenever they reopen. Pubs across Ireland are up to that challenge and will do what is required for maintaining a safe and healthy place of business.”

The full statement conducted by the VFI and LVA can be seen here.

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Topics:

Covid-19,Pubs