New guidelines for the operation of so-called “wet pubs” contain few if any new restrictions on their operation, compared with pubs serving food. Prominent signage must explain physical distancing practices, and markers illustrating the distancing must be displayed “throughout the premises”. Management is responsible for minimising entry and exit points, and managing physical distancing, rather than just relying on signage. The Government expects to reopen all pubs by the middle of the month, amid ongoing criticism from industry lobby groups over the impact of the forced closure of wet pubs on the trade. Pádraig Cribben, chief executive of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland, said there should be a level playing field between regulations governing wet pubs and those that serve food.

Source: The Irish Times September 06, 2020 15:27 UTC