Sunday 1 August, 2021
Outdoor dining recommenced last month but many businesses didn’t have capacity to open.
Higher Education Minister Simon Harris said Ireland is the last country in Europe to reopen indoor dining.
The Tánaiste denied that the time limit had no scientific basis.
The hospitality sector is not happy.
From wasted food to cancelled bookings, an extension of restrictions could mean large losses for pubs and restaurants.
Both restaurateurs and vintners’ representatives have called on the Government to explain the impact of the Delta variant.
Here’s your round-up of what made the headlines today.
The sun was shining as some opened their doors for the first time in 15 months.
There was fury from TDs both inside and outside government over the new rules.
A 105-minute time limit will be in place for indoor dining where there is social distancing of one-metre.
There is no fixed date set for the return of indoor dining but it’s expected to be some time in July.
The government is expected to lay out plans for the next stage of easing restrictions this week.
Varadkar said he hopes that indoor dining could return in “early July”.
There are variations in the way each part of the UK is easing restrictions today.
The LVA also wants an end to the distinction between ‘wet’ pubs and venues serving food.
Publicans are calling for guarantees that the rule won’t be a feature once a wider reopening of society begins.
The justice minister has said some of the current rules are decades old and need to be modernised.
Minister Helen McEntee is set to unveil the plans later this week.
The Irish Hotels Federation say a closure until mid-summer would significantly impact the tourism industry.
Minister Simon Harris said Covid-19 has had a “devastating” effect on the sector.
Licensing laws do not prohibit takeaway alcohol being sold.
It is not clear when these businesses will be able to reopen.
Cabinet will meet on Tuesday to sign off on new post-Christmas restrictions.
Government official Liz Canavan said today that pubs and restaurants “had a good weekend”.
Test your knowledge of pubs from a whole host of counties.
Restaurants and gastropubs are allowed to reopen from today.
Restaurants will be allowed reopen from next Friday.
Cabinet abandoned plans to introduce fines for drinking takeaway pints outside today.
The Vintners Federation of Ireland said outdoor-only service is “useless” for many pubs.
Once the six-week lockdown is over, it is envisaged that the country will remain at Level 3 until the New Year.
New rules state drinks must be pre-ordered online or by phone.
Once the six-week lockdown is over, it is envisaged that the country will remain at Level 3 until the New Year.
Paschal Donohoe announced the various reliefs for the hospitality sector today.
Paschal Donohoe announced the various reliefs today.
