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Much of the hospitality sector across the country will reopen today following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
The Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI) has called on owners of restaurants, cafes and pubs serving food to comply with public health guidelines for the next several weeks as they resume trading.
Under those rules, indoor and outdoor dining can start over once a substantial meal worth at least € 9 is served to each customer.
However, those meals must be prepared on-site within the facility.
Prior reservation is required when a distance of two meters between tables cannot be maintained.
A maximum limit of six people can sit at each table and everyone can be from different households.
However, your time there will be limited to one hour and 45 minutes, unless the tables are six feet or more apart.
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Reservations of multiple tables for the same group will not be accepted, ruling out the celebration of parties or Christmas events.
A member of each party will still have to give their name and contact details to trace potential contacts if necessary.
Nor will live music or loud music, or live performances be allowed.
The places that serve food and drinks must be clear of all customers before 11:30 pm and nightclubs and discos will be closed.
Strict cleaning and hygiene protocols must also be implemented and adhered to.
Hotels can also open their restaurants to non-residents under the same rules as gastropubs, cafes and other restaurants.
However, the inter-county travel ban, which runs through Dec. 18, means those customers can only be from within the locality, something that frustrates hoteliers.
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So-called wet pubs that do not serve food will remain closed, but may continue to offer delivery and take-out services.
“We encourage all of our members and the entire hospitality industry to follow the guidelines to protect staff and guests and ensure a safe and prosperous Christmas business period,” said Adrian Cummins, CEO of RAI.
“For everyone’s safety and for the good reputation of the industry and companies that have worked hard and waited to reopen, I implore all operators to do the right thing, follow the public health advice and implement the guidelines.”
Cummins also called on customers to support the industry as owners seek to create a safe and hospitable environment.
“Please be understanding when it comes to safety procedures you will be asked to follow, including wearing a mask when not seated, using hand sanitizer, providing contact tracing details, and booking for no more than six people, “he said.
“This is for the safety of all guests and staff.”
The hotel industry hopes to be able to make up some lost ground in the coming weeks by reopening in time for the busy Christmas season.
However, not all establishments will reopen, and some fear they will be forced to close again in a few weeks if the number of Covid-19 cases increases.
Others felt they didn’t have enough notice from the government or a long enough break-in period to prepare, and thus felt it wouldn’t be worth it.
Drinks Ireland encourages people to act with respect when they return to their favorite pubs, bars and restaurants this weekend and beyond, as certain venues across the country reopen starting today.
Drinks Ireland represents Irish beverage producers and distributors and today relaunched its “#BeSound” campaign.
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The campaign encourages consumers to adhere to the guidelines set by individual venues, respect staff by being patient and cooperative, and respecting each other to ensure that the experience is safe and enjoyable for all.
Drinks Ireland said that while this is an exciting time for many business owners across the country, it criticized the government’s decision not to allow pubs that do not serve food to reopen.
Patricia Callan, Director of Drinks Ireland, said that hospitality and experience companies are regulated environments and have proven to be responsible players throughout the crisis.
“We believe they will provide a safe place for people to socialize responsibly this holiday season and beyond,” said Ms. Callan.
He said the decision to keep pubs that do not serve food closed is not based on sufficient evidence.
“In Ireland, only 0.3% of Covid-19 outbreaks have been linked to pubs to date, according to HSE / HPSC epidemiological data. These pubs should have been given the opportunity to reopen safely. and sustained, “he added.
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