Maximum Of Six Per Table When Restaurants, Pubs And Cafés Open In June

Failte Ireland guidelines for the resumption of hospitality have been published.

The proposals had been expected yesterday, but were held-up at the Department of Taoiseach for further “observation“.

A cap of 6 adults per booking’s is included in the guidelines – along with a 105 minute time limit for indoor dining WITHOUT social distancing.

They include: For Pubs….

• Service is permitted for a maximum of 6 persons aged 13 or over per table. This limit of 6 does not include accompanying children aged 12 or younger.
• The total combined capacity at a table cannot exceed 15 overall (max. 6persons aged 13 and over)
• The outdoor space will be controlled and manned by premises personnel ensuring a managed flow.
• Table service only.
• Recommend segmented food and beverage areas to allow for smokers and non-smokers.
• Physical distancing of a minimum of 1 metre is required between the outer edges of the party (back of chair to back ofchair)
• Contact tracing and enhanced hygiene measures must be adhered to.
• Measures to control noise levels e.g. no live/loud music permitted.
• Employees wear face coverings/masks at all times.
• Patrons must wear face coverings/masks when circulating around the outdoor dining and serving areas and usingindoor facilities. Face coverings/masks mask wearing must be enforced.

For Restaurents:

• Physical distancing of 2 metres should be maintained between tables in an indoor setting.
• However, if this is not possible, this can be reduced to 1 metre in controlled environments.
• If all risk mitigation requirements have been met, and physical distancing is reduced to 1 metre*, pre-booked time limited slots must be in place for customers, which are a maximum of 105 minutes duration plus 15 minutes to allow for adequate cleaning.
• Pre-booking and time limited slots of 105 minutes duration are not a requirement if physical distancing of 2 metres* is strictly maintained.
• In an outdoor setting, physical distancing of a minimum of 1 metre is required between the outer edges of the party (back of chair to back of chair), as long as the business adheres to the protective measures.

While the regulation for indoor dining include:

• Service is permitted for a maximum of 6 persons aged 13 or over per table. This limit of 6 does not include accompanying children aged 12 or younger. The total combined capacity at a table cannot exceed 15 overall (max. 6persons aged 13 and over)
• Multiple tables cannot be booked indoors.
• No parties/ social gatherings are permitted indoors.
• Table service only.
• Physical distancing of 2 metres should be maintained between tables indoors. If all risk mitigation requirements have been met, then a minimum of 1 metre is permitted. The physical distancing of 1 metre isrequired between the outer edges of the party (back of chair to back of chair)**
• Contact tracing, ventilation and enhanced hygiene measures must be adhered to.
• Measures to control noise levels. e.g. no live/loud music permitted.
• Face coverings/masks must be worn by customers at all times other than when sitting at their table.
• Employees wear face coverings/masks at all times.
• Patrons must have vacated the licenced premises by 11.30pm.