Pubs and other hospitality sector businesses could benefit from a reduction or drop in the 2 metre rule.
Social Distancing was adopted as the pandemic began to affect Ireland, in order to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
However that means some bars will only be able to host less than a quarter of their ordinary capacity.
The Daily Mail reports that the 2 metre rule could be scrapped for bars.
They are set to open from June 29th on the condition they serve food.
Two-metre rule to be scrapped if virus rate stays low pic.twitter.com/akNuAd1eOH
— Irish Mail on Sunday (@IrishMailSunday) June 6, 2020
Pubs - Representative Groups Welcome News
The Licensed Vintners Association, which represents bars in Dublin, has welcomed the news.
While their survey in May found that over 40% of Dublin outlets were opening as a restaurant anyway.
Also, three quarters of respondents served food either way.
However the Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan has said a packet of peanuts or bacon fries doesn't equal food service.
He said it'll only apply "..if a pub is going to operate as a restaurant, and if they're in full compliance with public health advice in a restaurant would need to be."
"That's not the same as us saying that a few fellas together for a few pints and having a packet of peanuts constitutes a meal, constitutes a restaurant."
We’re still awaiting the public health guidance which is expected to be issued next week. But worth noting this point from the CMO (courtesy of @IrishTimes) pic.twitter.com/C8gm2HwjQN
— LVA (@LVADublinPubs) June 6, 2020
More Outlets To Open In July
Phase four of Ireland's re-opening starts in July, on the 20th.
After that more outlets will re-open including bars that don't or can't serve food.
While the plan is subject to change, so this could be brought forward or pushed back.
That depends on the transmission rate of Covid-19.
