Pubs and restaurants in Ireland have already seen inspections 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.
In terms of ensuring that businesses and individuals are adhering to the new rules, premises around Irelanf 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.
Mellett’s Emporium in Swinford, Mayo were one of the premises recently inspected and in a post online, they spoke about the experience.
"We welcomed a visit from HSA this morning. Yes, we absolutely hate asking for vaccine certs but we also want to protect ourselves and you. It won’t be forever. We’re so lucky and thankful 99% of our customers have been amazingly sound about it all #thankyou #besound," they said.
Elsewhere, Bar Italia in Dublin also spoke about the inspection process and said that it went smoothly.
"Got inspected today. All went well. Lady seemed very informed," they said.
As stated on the government's website: "The Health and Safety Authority and HSE have been designated in the legislation as having a role in assessing compliance, however, we all have a role to play in making sure that the system works and indoor hospitality can reopen. As a customer, you should raise your concerns with the business first and if you’re not happy, going to another premises sends a strong signal."
There are currently around 350 environmental health officers and 70 inspectors who monitor workplaces for the HSE.
Those who are in breach of the new guidelines regarding vaccinations and proof of ID - both people and businesses - will face fines.
If a business has not operated the legislation, or if the customer has forged the document, a fine of up to €2500 can be issued and a final penalty of a cessation order of business can also be issued.
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.
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