This evening Tánaiste Leo Varadkar confirmed pubs will return to the “old rules” on Friday 22nd October. This means that from that date customers will be permitted to stand/sit at the bar counter and the requirement for table service will no longer apply. Normal opening and closing times will also resume.
Live music is permitted in pubs from next Monday 6th September.
Government has chosen 22nd October for final easing of restrictions because over 90% of the adult population will be vaccinated by that date.
There are some issues that we need further clarification on and will endeavour to get that over the next day or two.
The trick or treatin’ will be savage this year. Roaming bands of twerps on electric scooters traversing the country pissed out of their trees. Time to get a viscous dog or worse.
We have received a number of queries from members about the various dates for easing of restrictions that most impact pubs so the following is the timeline as set out by Government:
Monday 6th September
Live music is permitted from this date. Customers must remain seated as per existing guidelines for pubs.
You may have heard reference to 60% of venue capacity but this does NOT refer to pubs, but for organised indoor events and mass gatherings. Pubs will continue to follow existing guidelines.
Dancing is NOT permitted in pubs.
Monday 20th September
There are no easing of restrictions specifically related to pubs on this date.
Friday 22nd October
All restrictions related to pubs will end on this date. Customers will be allowed stand/sit at the bar counter, mandatory table service will end and closing times will return to normal.
There will be no requirement to socially distance in pubs from this date.
Customer data - reminder
As you know businesses must keep a record of the time and date of arrival at the premises of a group and the name and telephone number of the lead person in a group for COVID-19 contact tracing. Details must be securely retained for 28 days and be compliant with GDPR.
Please ensure you destroy the records after the 28-day period expires.
