The number of people at a table in Ireland's pubs and restaurants will be capped at six from next Tuesday but closing times remain midnight.
These are some of the new rules announced by Taoiseach Micheal Martin as Ireland battles a fourth Covid-19 wave.
Speaking on Friday evening, the Taoiseach said: "Across the country, very many people in the hospitality and entertainment industries will be bitterly disappointed by this news.
"Many of them will be fearing for their livelihoods.
"I want to reassure them that just as we have done since the beginning of the pandemic, the Government will stand by them and ensure that they have the financial supports necessary to weather this latest storm and to stay intact until we are out of it.
"We have demonstrated, through interventions and supports unprecedented in their scale and scope, that we will do whatever we need to do to safely steer our society and economy through this.
"And that has worked, in sectors all across the economy, with many hundreds of thousands of people back in work in industries that relied on Government support during the pandemic.
"We will continue this approach for those employers and workers affected by tonight’s developments."
New pub rules in full
- Strict social distancing will be required in all bars and restaurants, including hotels and they must all revert to the situation that was in place before 22nd October.
That means:
- Table service only
- 1 metre between tables
- A maximum of six adults per table
- There can be no multiple table bookings
- Masks must be worn when not at the table
- Closing time remains at midnight
