Clare restaurateurs say questions need to be answered about the policing of new rules for indoor service.
It comes as six options to facilitate the reopening of indoor hospitality will be presented to Cabinet on Tuesday for final decision, with a focus on a reopening for those who are fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19.
Work is ongoing to table legislation allowing vaccinated people to eat inside restaurants.
Following crunch talks between senior government officials and industry representatives yesterday, a host of options will be presented to Cabinet on Tuesday where a decision is due on a contingency plan for the sector and on possible reopening dates.
Among the ideas is a plan to limit entry to fully vaccinated people, who would have to provide proof of inoculation upon entry – using a system similar to the use of the Digital Covid Cert used in international travel.
Brian O’Neill from the Rowan Tree Cafe, Bar and Hostel in Ennis has many doubts over how this will work in practice.
Brian is also skeptical of a possible July 26th reopening date.
The co-owner of restaurant in Ballyvaughan is equally doubtful about a reopening which involves segregation between those who are vaccinated and unvaccinated.
Patrick O’Donoghue, of Monks Restaurant, has huge concerns about how they will be able to police such plans on the door.
Meanwhile, a North Clare restaurateur is calling on the government to allow the resumption on indoor dining in the same manner as last Summer.
Connie Smith, owner of An Teach Bia in Ennistymon has labelled the government’s plans as ‘unworkable’.
Connie believes the industry are being unfairly targetted by imposing a ban on indoor dining for those without a vaccine.
