Draft guidelines for the reopening of pubs have been revealed

Draft guidelines on the reopening of pubs have been released with rules including table service only and strict social distancing

New draft guidelines for the reopening of pubs by Fáilte Ireland have been revealed.

The document is 25 pages long and advises that strict social distancing be maintained at all times, with no more than six people from three different households allowed to congregate.

It advises for table service only with one metre kept between each person in the group unless they are from the same household.

Other proposed guidelines include no time limit being applied to how long you stay once two metres can be maintained between all tables. Where physical distancing of only one metre can be maintained, pubs are expected to implement the 105-minute rule.

The document, which was seen by the Irish Mirror also advises that no customers are allowed on the premises after 11.30pm, the amount of seating in pubs must be reduced, face coverings must be worn staff and customers are advised to use contactless/card instead of cash.

Pubs must also keep a record of the arrival time of customers and their contact details for contact tracing purposes. It is also recommended that pubs provide individually wrapped straws and adhere to increased cleaning of beer taps, drip trays, cocktail equipment, door handles and handrails.

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