Pubs, coffee shops and restaurants in Clare and across the country will be able to re-open for indoor dining from next Monday.
The President has officially signed the new legislation on indoor dining into law.
But there has been some criticism over the pace of presenting new guidelines to businesses ahead of re-opening.
Under this historic but temporary legislation only those who are fully vaccinated, recently recovered from covid and their children will be allowed dine indoors.
The service will be policed by the Digital COVID Cert and an app will be developed for restauranteurs and publicans to check customer’s vaccination status.
That’s expected to be ready by the end of the week but the Vintners Federation has raised concern that broadband connectivity in some areas might pose a problem.
Closing time will be half eleven and tables with children at them are set to be 2 metres apart from others, while there will be no 105 minute time limit.
Dermot Fetton of Henry’s Bistro & Wine Bar in Ennis says the proposed time limit wouldn’t have made sense.
One North Clare Restaurant owner says he’s looking forward to welcoming customers back indoors.
Patrick O’Donoghue of Monk’s Restaurant in Ballyvaughan says they’ll work with whatever guidelines they’re given.
The official Failte Ireland guidelines for the industry are set to be published in the coming days but one South East Clare Publican believes extra consideration needs to be given to how the guidelines affect those in rural areas.
William Browne of Browne’s Bar, Parteen wants to see the return of counter service and he says other issues need to be looked at too.
