The Vintners' Federation of Ireland has stressed that the HSE vaccination cards are acceptable proof for entry to pubs and restaurants for those who are fully vaccinated.
For the past few weeks, Ireland has been abiding by the new regulations which insist that indoor dining can only be allowed if a fully vaccinated individual provides proof of vaccination along with a valid form of photo ID.
However, it appears that there's still some confusion about this rule which prompted the VFI to share the following message online.
"Important to emphasise that vaccination cards ARE acceptable as proof for entry - receiving feedback from Vintners' Federation of Ireland members that inspectors are stating the opposite."
In doing so, the body which represents 4,000 publicans across the country reiterated the exact words of the Tànaitse Leo Varadkar on this matter.
Varadkar said: "For info to pubs, restaurants, cafes & customers: Regulations state that the paper HSE Vaccination Card CAN be accepted as well as the EU Digital Covid Cert."
This week has seen an increase in the number of pubs and restaurants that received inspections by the authorities to check that they are compliant with the newly introduced indoor dining rules and regulations.
For the past few weeks, customers had to present their Covid Cert to prove they are fully vaccinated or recovered from infection as they enter the premises.
Both the HSE vaccination card and the Digital Covid Certificate are accepted for getting into pubs.
Customers are also required to present photo identification to staff to prove their Covid cert or vaccination card is theirs, while contact tracing details for one person in the group is also required.
Premises around Ireland are being visited by members of the HSE, Environmental Health Officers, the HSA and Gardai.
The CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Adrian Cummins, has said that hospitality inspections by the various authorities have commenced.
"Inspections of Hospitality Businesses are underway across the state by HSE Live, EHOs, HSA officers and the Gardai. It's important all inspectors and officers have a clear understanding of the Failte Ireland Hospitality Guidelines," he said on Twitter
Last week, the Failte Ireland guidelines for the hospitality sector were updated to allow up to 200 people outdoors, while live music is back for outside areas in pubs and restaurants.
The decision to revise the guidelines came after a public outcry following the holding of a garden party for 50 special guests by an ex-minister in the Merrion Hotel a fortnight ago.
It was hosted by former government minister, Katherine Zappone, and was attended by Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar, Labour TD, Ivana Bacik, and other VIPs.
