Draft guidelines for the reopening of bars and restaurants indoors on Monday, 26 July, have been published.

Final regulations are expected to be signed off on Sunday, 25 July, according to a statement from Fáilte Ireland.

Businesses which reopen will also be able to avail of the three-week double payment of the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme.

The EU Digital Covid Certificate (DCC) will be the primary evidence for Proof Of Immunity when going into a pub, restaurant, café or food court to access indoor hospitality.

Other proofs of immunity will be set out in regulations and will include the HSE Vaccination Record.

There must be a "defined, managed and supervised entrance point with an appropriate queue management system within the business (at entrance to premises or as near to the entrance as possible) or at point of entry to seating areas, that is controlled by personnel who have been instructed in the process".

All customers will have to show photo identification at the door of a bar or restaurant, along with Proof of Immunity.

Children may also be asked for photo ID to prove that they are under 18 and are allowed to enter the premises with a permitted person.

Once confirmed as vaccinated or recovered from Covid alongside proof of ID, a customer is deemed eligible for entry and can move to the next check-in step of contact tracing.

Under 18s who are accompanied by a parent/guardian do not require Proof of Immunity.

Once Proof of Immunity checks are complete for each person being admitted, details have to be recorded for all customers allowed entry: include time of arrival, party size and confirmation that all customers (over 18) have been verified to have immunity.

Separately the name and contact number of each customer (over 18) must be taken for contact tracing purposes. Under 18s are not required to provide details for contact tracing purposes.

Details must be retained for 28 days by the business and must be compliant with GDPR. This information must be recorded for both walk-ins and pre-bookings.

A maximum of six persons aged 13 or over are permitted at a table. This limit of six does not include accompanying children aged 12 or younger.

The total combined capacity at a table cannot exceed 15 overall (maximum six persons aged 13 and over).

Customers can avail of table service only and may not approach or order from the bar or other counter. Face coverings must be worn by customers at all times other than when seated at their table.

If a customer leaves the premises (or seating area in a food court for example) for any reason (to access a smoking area for example) they will have to notify a staff member. Ideally, they will then be provided with pass which must be returned or checked on re-entry.

Premises must be clear of all customers by 11.30pm.

Following public health advice, the time limit for sitting at tables has been removed. There is now no limit to the amount of time consumers can sit at tables. Businesses may decide to operate this approach.

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There is no requirement for pre-booking, however businesses may decide to operate this approach. Businesses should ensure appropriate queue management systems are in place.

Counter service remains prohibited. The regulations will provide for people to be served at tables only "to protect unvaccinated workers".

The Health and Safety Authority and HSE have been designated in the legislation as having a role in assessing compliance.

A statement by the Government said: "As a customer, you should raise your concerns with the business first and if you're not happy, going to another premises sends a strong signal."

Fáilte Ireland have also developed some support materials for businesses to communicate with their customers which are available here.

An online QR code scanner has been developed to help verify people's EU Digital COVID Certificates.

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Leo Varadkar said: "From Monday we are going to open indoor hospitality, get lots of businesses open and lots of people back to work.

"The restrictions being applied to this reopening are designed to be a temporary measure ... I know that operating this new system will be inconvenient for business and could add to staff costs.

"It is, however, the only way we can re-open and stay open throughout this Delta wave."

Mr Varadkar added: "Hopefully, it will not be necessary in a few months' time but it is good to have it in place in case it is.

"There will be teething problems and we will work with the industry to review and amend the regulations as needed and based on practical experience."

Tourism Minister Catherine Martin said: "I am acutely aware of the devastation the necessary public health restrictions have had on tourism and hospitality businesses since March 2020 with many unable to open at all.

"The publication of updated guidance will help businesses and customers to adapt to a new and hopefully temporary regime which is aimed at protecting public health while allowing businesses to get back to what they do best.

"The "Céad Míle Fáilte" will be much in evidence from Monday onward and I encourage all customers to show patience and understanding as businesses and their staff get used to the new requirements.

"Let's all work together to keep this vitally important sector open from now on."