President Michael D Higgins has signed the new indoor dining rules into law.
It paves away for the partial reopening of indoor pubs and restaurants from next Monday.
Under the legislation, people who are fully vaccinated or can prove their recovery from the virus can enjoy indoor hospitality.
There will be no time limits on visits to pubs and restaurants and premises will still have to close at 11.30pm, despite a push from the industry for later hours.
The rules will remain in place until October 9th, unless the Oireachtas opts to lift them early or extend them for a further three months.
Time limits
The Cork chairman of the Vintners Federation of Ireland Michael O'Donovan welcomed the decision to scrap time limit plans.
“It will stop people from going from pub to pub to pub and doing pub crawls,” he said.
“Now some may still wish to visit one or two pubs but at least it will take people that want to go out for a couple of hours the crazy scenario where they could stay only the hour and 45 minutes in one and move on to the next.
“So, some people will be quite happy to stay two or three hours in the one venue and then go home afterwards.”
COVID Cert
Unvaccinated children will be allowed to dine with adults once their table is two metres away from other tables.
Digital Covid Certs will be checked at the door, with an app to scan the QR codes currently being developed.
Mr O’Donovan told Newstalk the option was essential for rural businesses.
“Using the app, look for some people it will be very problematic,” he said.
“Broadband in some parts of the country is just not as fast as other parts. For those, the app will be quite problematic so having the paper option, while it may be slower, it will be in place as well.
“Once people have an either-or scenario, I think people are covered no matter which way they go.”
Ventilation
The guidelines will also be significantly updated to take into account increased ventilation through more air flow, C02 monitors and air extraction systems.
Ministers are still aiming to have indoor dining open from Monday the 26th of July, however, President Michael D Higgins must sign the necessary legislation before it becomes law.
