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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Cormac O'Shea

Irish pub and restaurant rules Q&A: Do I need food, can I stay for hours, meet loads of friends and more

Ireland's pubs and restaurants are back open again after being shutdown for the last six weeks.

Restaurants, gastropubs and cafes nationwide are expecting a busy weekend with throngs of diners coming through the doors.

And everyone who does decide to avail of the services will be expected to follow all the rules laid out by Failte Ireland and the Government.

But are you fully aware of what they are? Here's a quick Q&A to give you all you need to know.

Pub and restaurant rules Q&A

Can I go to a pub or restaurant and just drink?

Unfortunately, if you are looking for a simple pint, it will have to be accompanied by a substantial meal.

The same rule from the summer is back and you will have to fork out €9 on something to eat.

Can I stay for hours?

Well, that depends on where you go really, the rule of the hour and 45 minutes set time is still there depending on how spaced out the restaurant is.

If you're more than 2m apart from the next table you can stay for longer.

Can I meet a big group of friends?

You can meet up to six people and dine with them at a table although any groups larger than that aren't allowed.

There's no limit on the number of households that can attend.

My local pub has a chipper beside it, can it open?

Another big change to the rules from the summer, pubs must have a kitchen on site to open which is why the term gastropub is being used.

So, technically, this won't do.

Can I just walk into a restaurant?

It's been said by many restaurants that they are seeing a huge amount of bookings at the moment.

So, you can walk in, but a lot of places are advising booking before hand.

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