The Limerick pub that was closed by gardai earlier this week has opened up again this weekend.
Whelan's Bar in Newcastle West, Limerick opened on Monday with no food offering after being disappointed by the decision not to allow pubs open on July 20.
Within hours the gardai requested the pub close and owner Gearoid Whelan stopped serving and asked customers to leave.
Now the publican has opened up again for the weekend but is now serving food.
Mr Whelan said: "We are open. We are now taking bookings.
"All food guidelines will be met, so like every other restaurant/pub you are required to have €9 of food if having an alcoholic beverage for your two hour window.
"We will be opening at 2pm Saturday and Sunday and last orders for food at 8.30pm. Hope to see ye soon from all at Whelans.
"Walk in’s also accepted if there is a table free. Advisable to book though. Thanks."
The publican, who has set up his pub to cater for social distancing, has been vocal about the "harsh" treatment the trade has gotten under these new guidelines.
He told the Irish Mirror on Monday: "We can socially distance and I showed that, I'm just asking for a chance to do it.
"We are 70 years in business here and you don't do that without being professional.
"I would be very surprised if they let pubs open on August 10 the way things are going.
"We are being very harshly treated; up until Wednesday every pub was gearing up to open on Monday and then on Wednesday evening we get the news.
"On behalf of all the hospitality sector we just want to be given a chance."
At the moment pubs are scheduled to get the green light on August 10, but Tanaiste Leo Varadkar hinted that could be pushed back again depending on how the virus is being controlled.
