Cabinet is expected to sign off on the guidelines for the re-opening of indoor dining this morning.
It follows talks between Government officials and representatives of the hospitality sector yesterday evening.
It's been agreed time limits on indoor dining will be removed, with both sides judging them as not warranted for fully vaccinated people.
NEW: After discussions today the time limits on indoor dining have been scrapped.
- 11.30pm will remain the closing times.
- CO2 monitors will be used in restaurants.
- Unvaccinated children can accompany adults as long as their table is 2m away from others— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) July 20, 2021
Premises will still have to close at 11.30pm, despite a push from the industry for later hours.
Unvaccinated children will be allowed to dine with adults if their table is 2m away from other tables.
Digital Covid Certs will be checked at the door, while an app to scan the QR codes is being developed.
The guidelines will also be significantly updated to take into account increased ventilation through more air flow.
C02 monitors and air extraction systems will be included in the rules.
Ministers are still aiming to have indoor dining open from Monday the 26th of July, but are also awaiting President Michael D Higgins signing the necessary legislation into law.
Main Image: Richard B. Levine
