Cabinet Expected To Sign-Off On The Resumption Of Indoor Dining.

Wednesday, 21 July 2021 09:09

Time limits on indoor dining will be removed

Cabinet is expected to sign off on the guidelines for the re-opening of indoor dining this morning.

The time limits on eating indoors are set to be scrapped while more emphasis will be put on the ventilation of properties.

Our Political Correspondent Seán Defoe reports:

"Guidelines go before cabinet today after the latest round of talks between Government officials and representatives of the hospitality sector.

It's been agreed time limits on indoor dining will be removed, with both sides judging them not warranted for fully vaccinated people.

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.

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."

Michael O'Donovan, from the Vintners Federation of Ireland, is welcoming the lack of time limits

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