It's a big day for the hospitality sector.
After six frustrating and anxious weeks of wait, many restaurants, pubs that serve food, cafes and hotel restaurants will reopen their doors.
It is a crucial period for the sector, with up to 30% of revenue for the year typically taken in over the month of December and early January.
This year, however, the Covid-19 pandemic will ensure things won’t be the same as in previous years.
Nonetheless, there will still be an opportunity for people to socialise and relax in comfort and most importantly in safety with family and friends.
WHERE CAN I GO?
From this morning, the easing of the restrictions means so-called gastro pubs, restaurants and cafes can reopen their doors to indoor and outdoor diners.
Many had been offering takeaway and delivery services during Level 5, but now they can welcome customers back through the doors.
CAN ALL PUBS OPEN?
No, they can’t.
Only pubs that serve a so-called "substantial" meal worth €9 more can reopen.
Every customer will have to buy such a meal, so it won’t be okay for a group of people to sit around one plate of chips and goujons, or a platter of finger food.
The food will have to also be prepared by a chef in a kitchen on the premises.
So the practice that some pubs that didn’t have their own kitchen facilities employed over the summer of bringing in food from the local pizzeria or chipper will not suffice.
WHAT ABOUT WET PUBS?
So-called wet pubs, or those that don’t serve food, can’t reopen.
The public health officials have decided that the risk of transmission of the virus in such a setting over the Christmas period is just too great.
Vintners are understandably annoyed about that situation, but at this point there is very little they can do about it.
WILL I HAVE TO BOOK?
Most restaurants and pubs are expecting to be very busy over the coming weeks.
Many will therefore be insisting on pre-bookings, as it will be the only way to manage through flow of customers safely.
In theory though, establishments that have tables that are 2m apart, technically can take walk-ins.
If the tables are between 1m and 2m apart then they need to be reserved.
CAN A LARGE GROUP GO OUT TOGETHER?
Each table is restricted to a maximum of six people.
They can all be from different households.
But it is not possible for a large group to take more than one table.
So if you are planning a large get together with work colleagues or mates, think again.
Restaurants and pubs should not take such bookings.
HOW ABOUT CONTACT TRACING?
As before, at least one person from a group will have to provide their contact details to the restaurant, cafe or pub.
This is so if there is a case of the virus confirmed, the health authorities can track and trace anyone who may have been a close contact.
HOW LONG CAN I STAY?
The guidelines state that if you are going to an establishment where the tables are less than 2m apart, then you can stay a maximum of one hour and 45 minutes.
The staff then have to clean for 15 minutes before letting the next person or group in to use the table.
If, however, you go somewhere where the tables are more than 2m apart, then you can stay longer than the 105 minutes.
Local rules may apply though and you may be asked by the proprietors to moves on after a certain time.
CAN I MOVE FROM ONE PUB TO ANOTHER?
In theory, there is nothing to stop people from spending a couple of hours in one place and then going on somewhere else, provided they buy the substantial meal in each location.
But this is where personal responsibility comes strongly into the equation.
Public health experts have asked the public to question whether that it necessary and to consider whether by doing this they will increase the risk of catching or passing on the virus.
WILL OTHER MEASURES BE IN PLACE?
Yes, definitely.
As over the summer, expect to see strict hygiene and cleaning protocols at place.
If you don’t see them in action, don’t be afraid to ask why not.
For example, menus will have to be single use or wipeable.
There will have to be queuing systems in place for toilets, etc.
You will be expected to wear a mask moving to and from your table.
There will be no live or loud music allowed.
WHAT ABOUT HOTELS?
Hotels are already open to residents.
What changes today is that they can now open their in-house restaurants to non-residents.
They face a challenge though, because with the inter-county travel ban in place until 18 December, it isn’t possible for people to visit at hotel in a different county.
Hotels argue that will dampen down their chances of recovering during December.
HOW LONG WILL ALL THIS LAST?
This is the unknown question.
In theory, once they are open there is no specific plan or requirement for the pubs, restaurants, cafes, etc to close again.
However, there is concern in the sector that if it is not managed well and if case numbers rise through December, they will be the first to be told to close in the New Year.
Of course nobody wants to see that happen and that a stop start scenario doesn’t arise.
IS EVERYWHERE REOPENING ?
No.
Some have decided that for public health or financial reasons, they won’t be reopening now.
WHAT IS DEMAND LIKE?
Anecdotally the evidence is that demand is very strong.
Establishments are reporting very strong bookings for this weekend and through the coming weeks.
The Restaurants’ Association of Ireland estimates up to €50m could be spent over the next three days.
Great for the sector. Positive for the economy. Good for people’s mental health.
But just make sure you play your part in ensuring everyone stays safe.
