Irish pub reopening – an unknown rule allowing punters to break the 105 minute time limit

It won’t be long before Irish patrons can re-enter the doors of some pubs, as food-serving bars and restaurants can serve drinks from 4 December.

Just like the last time pubs were allowed to open in Ireland, there are still some of the same rules that must be followed to guarantee your food and pints.

In addition to this, there are also two major changes regarding how long you can stay in a place and what guidelines pubs need to follow in order to open.

Here is everything you need to know:

How long can you stay?

The 1 hour and 45 minute limit will also apply.

But if you are more than 2 meters from the next table, you can stay longer.

It will be a maximum of six at a table and there is no limit to the number of households like last time.

But there is one key difference that you will probably see a lot of pubs that served food before they didn’t reopen.

Wet pubs are closed except for takeout

The wet pubs are closed except for take away food.

Taoiseach Micháel Martin said: “Unfortunately, nothing in the research available to the government supports a new reopening of so-called ‘wet pubs’ at this stage.

“I know how deeply frustrating this will be for entrepreneurs in this industry.

“I fully accept your goodwill about respecting the guidelines, but the reality is that reopening inner hospitality carries risks and only as far as we can safely go.

“I want to assure them that additional supports will be made available to owners, in addition to what is currently in place, to help them in the new year and prepare for their eventual reopening.

The kitchen rule

Food now has to be prepared on site.

Many pubs in Ireland had previously partnered with local restaurants, while others had been preparing meals elsewhere and taking them out.

Unless those venues have kitchen areas that were previously unused, they will not be allowed to reopen on December 4.