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Irish pubs will be forced to close their doors from Christmas Eve.
In a devastating blow to the industry, Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirmed yesterday that we would be entering another period of strict restrictions.
And as a result, the bars and restaurants, which had reopened earlier this month, will be forced to close again.
The crucial new rule for patrons to follow on Christmas Eve will be the official end of on-site meals at 3pm.
(Image: Collins Photo Agency)
Pubs and restaurants will still be able to offer takeout and home delivery service, as has been the case during the pandemic, but all diners must be off the premises by 3 p.m. Thursday.
Similarly, hotels will only be able to provide a food and bar service to guests after this time.
The strict rules on the hospitality sector are just one of the new measures to be taken in the coming days.
Here’s a full breakdown of the new restrictions:
Social and family gatherings
If you live alone, you can form a bubble of support with another household.
The current provisions (visits of up to 2 other homes) remain in effect until December 26, inclusive.
Visits to private homes / gardens of another home will be allowed up to and including December 31. In both cases, for those who are part of a support bubble, the bubble counts as a home.
As of January 1, visitors are not allowed in private homes / gardens except for essential family reasons, such as providing care to children, the elderly or vulnerable people, or as part of a bubble of support.
Wedding
Up to and including January 2, 25 guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception, either indoors or outdoors.
Starting January 3, up to 6 people are allowed.
Organized indoor meetings
These are controlled environments with a designated event organizer, owner, or manager.
For example: business, training events, conferences, theater and cinema events or other artistic events (excluding sport).
Organized meetings should not be held indoors.
Meetings organized outdoors
These are controlled environments with a designated event organizer, owner, or manager. For example: outdoor arts events, training events.
Organized gatherings should not be held outdoors.
Exercise and sporting events
Golf and tennis are allowed outside. Participants must be from a maximum of 2 households.
Training and matches
No training or games should be held, with the following exceptions:
- Non-contact training in groups of up to 15 can take place outdoors.
- Professional, elite sports, horse and greyhound racing and approved equestrian events may continue behind closed doors.
All other training activities must be individual only.
Exercise or dance classes are not allowed.
Gyms, leisure centers and swimming pools
Gyms, leisure centers and swimming pools may remain open for individual training only.
Religious services
Christmas religious services may take place.
Religious services will move online after December 25.
Places of worship may remain open for private prayer.
Funeral
Up to 10 mourners can attend.
Museums, galleries and other cultural attractions
All places closed.
Libraries will be available for online services only.
Bars, cafes and restaurants (including hotel restaurants and bars)
The cafes, restaurants and pubs that function as restaurants will close for dinner on site at 3 pm on December 24. After this, they can only offer food delivery and take away.
Hotels can provide food and bar services to guests only after that time.
Damp pubs
Closed.
Discos, discos, casinos
Nightclubs, discos and casinos will be closed.
Hotels and accommodation
Hotels, guesthouses and B & Bs may remain open, but only for essential non-social and non-tourist purposes.
Hotels can provide food and bar services to guests only after 3 PM on December 24.
Exception:
Guests who already have a reservation and must check in until December 26 inclusive.
Retail and services (for example: hairdressers, beauticians, barbers)
Face covers must be worn.
All retail and essential services will remain open. This includes grocery shopping and markets.
The retail sector is asked to defer the January sales events.
All other personal services, such as hairdressers, estheticians, and barbers, are closed.
Job
You must work from home unless it is essential to work, which is an essential health, welfare, or other essential service and cannot be performed from home.
Domestic travel restrictions
Stay at home.
Exercise as close to home as possible.
Travel outside of your county will continue to be allowed through December 26, inclusive. Those who are away from their place of residence after that period will be able to return to their place of residence.
Beginning December 27, you must remain within your county unless you need to leave for essential reasons, as follows:
- travel to and from work, where work involves providing an essential service
- to attend medical appointments and pick up medicines and other medical devices
- travel to attend disability day services
- traveling to attend court
- for vital family reasons, such as the care of children, the elderly or vulnerable people and, in particular, for those who live alone but exclude social family visits
- for agricultural purposes (food production or animal care)
- attend a wedding or funeral
- visit a grave
Schools and kindergartens
According to current NPHET advice regarding Tier 5, schools, early education and child care services will remain open and deemed essential.
Higher and adult education
Mainly online with exemptions for essential activities on the site.
Outdoor Playgrounds, Play Areas, and Parks
Open with protective measures in place.
Transport
Face covers must be worn.
Walk or bike whenever possible.
Public transportation will operate at 25% capacity in order to allow those providing essential services to get to work. Transitional arrangements will apply in light of the Christmas period.
School transportation is not affected.
Assistance services and social work
Based on NPHET advice on level 5, social work and social care services (including disability services, mental health services, child welfare and protection services, domestic violence services) will be maintained sexual and gender) and homeless services, including homeless outreach services. open and considered essential.
Over 70 and medically vulnerable people
People over the age of 70 and medically vulnerable people are advised to continue to exercise personal judgment.
It is recommended that they stay home as much as possible, limiting participation to a very small network for short periods of time, while remaining physically apart.
When exercising outdoors, it is important to keep a distance of 2 meters from others and wash your hands when you return home.
It is recommended to shop only during designated hours, while covering your face and avoiding public transportation.
Visit long-term residential care facilities (nursing homes and nursing homes)
Suspended, with the exception of visits required by critical and compassionate circumstances.
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