Meals in pubs which reopen as restaurants later this month should be 'substantial' and cost at least €9, according to new guidelines.
Tourism group Fáilte Ireland says it has also been informed by health officials there could be 'certain circumstances' where restaurants could stick to a one metre social distancing rule, instead of the current advice of two metres.
From June 29th, cafés and restaurants can reopen - as well as pubs and bars which can operate as restaurants.
New Fáilte Ireland guidelines due to be issued this week, based on existing legislation, will state that food on offer in such pubs should be what would "be expected to be served as a main midday or evening meal or as a main course in either such meal".
The tourism group says the meals should be of a kind "for which it would be reasonable to charge not less than €9".
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has previously said a restaurant does not mean "a few fellas getting together for a few pints and having a packet of peanuts".
Paul Hayden, head of food at Fáilte Ireland, explained: "The guidance defines a substantial meal and puts a value on it.
"This is as defined by the Intoxicating Liquor Act in 1962."
Meanwhile, Fáilte Ireland has also received guidance from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) suggesting the current two metre social distancing rule could potentially be reduced to one metre in 'certain circumstances' such as pre-bookings.
The group says they're currently working through the guidance and seeking clarification on the details - including around timelines and how restaurants could deal with 'walk-ins'.
Mr Hayden said Fáilte Ireland welcomes the potential one metre rule and any other measures that "help the viability of businesses".
