It is expected time limits on customers will be scrapped but that the 11.30pm closing time will remain.
The government is expected to sign off on the guidelines for the return of indoor hospitality when Cabinet meets on Wednesday morning.
It comes following the final agreement on draft guidelines for the reopening – believed to be happening next Monday (26 July) – between government officials and the hospitality sector on Tuesday.
The guidelines will allow bars and restaurants to offer indoor service to people fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and to children of fully vaccinated people, as well as those who have recovered from the virus in the past six months.
It is expected that time limits for those permitted to eat and drink inside bars and restaurants will be scrapped but that there will be a closing time of 11.30pm.
It has also been reported that unvaccinated children will be allowed to dine with adults as long as their table is situated two metres away from other tables.
Meanwhile, the government is said to be working on an app that will enable pub and restaurant workers to verify if a patron has been vaccinated against or recovered from Covid-19.
The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) said yesterday’s talks between senior government officials and the hospitality sector were “productive”.
“We have made steady progress in devising guidelines that will allow our members open on Monday. There remains details to be finalised but the removal of time limits will be welcomed by the trade,” the VFI’s Chief Executive Padraig Cribben said in a statement.
“Confirmation of next Monday’s reopening will be made at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting but guidelines cannot be finalised until the legislation underpinning the reopening is signed by the President over the coming days.
“While our members will be relieved to reopen next Monday there remains a significant challenge in policing the vaccine pass. It will require the full support of the public to ensure this temporary solution runs smoothly.”
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