The VFI Chief Executive has said the limit is “not practical” for pubs and restaurants.
Chief Executive of the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) Pádraig Cribben has said the organisation is hoping that the 105-minute time limit on certain indoor diners and drinkers will be “significantly changed” by the time all outlets return for indoor service.
Fáilte Ireland guidelines released on Wednesday say that a time limit of 105 minutes will apply to indoor dining in cases where a two-metre social distancing of tables cannot be maintained.
This time limit is not required if there are two metres between tables indoors. There will be no time limit for outdoor tables.
Asked about the 105-minute rule on RTÉ’s News at One, Cribben said: “We are hoping that will be significantly changed before we get to indoor drinking and dining in what we hope will be early July.”
As to why, Cribben stated that the limit is “probably not practical” in the context of having different rules for indoor and outdoor patrons.
He said it will lead to “very difficult management and “complicated situations”, and that the VFI are hopeful the issue will be addressed in the interim.
In regards to the other Fáilte Ireland guidelines, Cribben told the programme they were welcomed.
He said: “Certainly it gives an opportunity for members to plan for 7 June. In reality, there’s very little in the guidelines that we weren’t expecting. It’s very similar to what we were used to last year.
“Obviously, the requirement for the €9 meal is gone. We’re very thankful for that.”
Cribben also stated that the VFI has called on the Government this week to make sure that indoor drinking and dining returns no later than 1 July.
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