The government is working to fast-track legislation which will see those who are vaccinated in Ireland be able to avail of indoor services at the end of the month.
July 5 was the date people had been given for a return of indoor dining in pubs and restaurants across the country, but due to the level of concern around the Delta variant, Irish officials decided to hold off on this measure.
A new system is due to be revealed to the public on July 19 for how the hospitality industry is to organise itself for the reopening.
In the meantime, a bill to amend the 1947 Public Health Act is set to go before the Dáil and Seanad next week.
Although an announcement around plans is due on July 19, reports suggest that the nearest date for the actual reopening is July 26.
Once bars, restaurants, cafes and pubs reopen for indoor dining, it’s believed the new legislation will not expire until the population has been vaccinated - and so those who have not yet received their jab will be confined to outdoor service for now.
Diageo Ireland managing director Barry O'Sullivan said on Wednesday that they expect a detailed plan for the reopening no later than July 19.
"Drinks manufacturers and suppliers put in weeks of preparation into every reopening, including brewing, line cleaning and restocking and face significant costs and disruption every time it is postponed at the last minute.
“Companies like Diageo have also delivered multi-million euro investment programmes to help bars, pubs and restaurants create safe controlled indoor settings for socialising.
“The government must now provide a clear, workable and fair pathway for indoor hospitality to reopen on 19th July.”
