The Latest In Irish Pubs: ‘Reopening Date’ For Bars Not Serving Food In Ireland Lockdown Update

Reports this morning suggest that pubs that don’t serve food may not be allowed to reopen for three months.

The ‘wet pubs’ have been closed since March this year and it is understood that it could be the same month next year before their doors reopen.

The hope is that pubs can reopen by St. Patrick’s Day 2021, but it is not a certainty.

The expected 12-month closure comes after reports that restaurants and pubs serving food across Ireland will close as of December 31.

Well-placed sources have told Dublin Live that government leaders have decided this before tomorrow’s formal Cabinet meeting.

It comes amid concerns from health officials about the increase in the number of cases.

And as a result of the spiraling case numbers, it is understood that the last food and drink will be able to be served in pubs and restaurants until the close of business on December 30, but after that they will close their doors when we re-enter. a new level 3 lockdown.

The hotels will be allowed to continue operating.

The government will also agree to cut the number of households that can visit one another from that date.

But there will be a pardon on intercountry travel that will remain in effect until Jan. 6 to allow loved ones to continue to reunite.

Strict closing times

Meanwhile, it has also emerged that parties past 11pm will be banned this Christmas.

And going out to celebrate late at night on St. Stephen’s or to celebrate the New Year are definitely not runners, if the government hasn’t shut down all hospitality by then.

Failure to comply could result in gardaí entering the compound to enforce the law.

The Department of Tourism has confirmed to Dublin Live that all restaurants in the country must have their homes cleared by 11:30 pm every night during the holidays.

This means that all food and drink must be served before 11pm. M., Which marks an abrupt end to a fun evening for hundreds of thousands of revelers each night.

It will also be another nail in the coffin for many companies that relied on getting extra cash in the boxes this Christmas to try to save something from a disastrous year.

The hospitality industry had been lobbying the Government through Business Minister Leo Varadkar and Tourism Minister Catherine Martin to actually get additional opening hours for the Christmas week.

It was hoped, for example, that an overtime amnesty could be approved until 12:30 so that people could ring in the New Year at a restaurant or spend more time on Saint Stephen’s night with friends they might not they would have seen. from one end of the year to another.

But these pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

A spokesperson for the Department of Tourism said: “On November 27, the Government agreed on the approach to ease restrictions, including a gradual move to Level 3 nationwide, with a number of exceptions in place for the Christmas period.

“The exceptions for the Christmas period are designed to help people have a meaningful Christmas, though different from other years.

“The main goal is to stay safe and keep the COVID-19 numbers low so that we can maintain the lowest possible level of restrictions in the New Year.

“Current regulations state that the relevant facilities must be clear of all customers by 11:30 pm.

“There are currently no proposals to change this provision.”