The time limit of one hour and 45 minutes for indoor dining will be scrapped when pubs and restaurants reopen on July 26.
The news will come as huge relief for businesses and punters alike ahead of the return of indoor dining next Monday.
A key meeting between the Government and hospitality officials is currently ongoing.
But a source told the Irish Mirror that the limit which had been brought in when previous restrictions were lifted will not be implemented this time around.
Furthermore, Government Information Services are said to be developing a special Digital Covid Certification checker for businesses and customers in time for the reopening.
On top of that, there will be an inspection regime set up by HSE and HSE officials.
There will be no change to the closing times, according to the source.
That means that everyone will have to be up and out by 11.30pm, although it is believed this will be reviewed.
Unvaccinated Children will be allowed accompanied by vaccinated Adults once seated 2m away from other tables.
The full plan is expected to be revealed and ratified tomorrow, but we already have a fair idea what it will look like.
One source at the meeting said a new app which can be downloaded onto a smartphone will be used to check customers vaccination status.
The government app is expected to be available to download by the end of the week.
Publicans can use the app to scan customers’ vaccine pass and the public can also check the app to ensure their pass is working.
However, a paper based system is also to be accepted as hospitality representatives explained rural pubs or elderly people may not have a smartphone.
Regulations are still being worked on and they can’t be issued until President Michael D Higgins signs the legislation.
Final guidelines may not be available until close to reopening, according to another source.
In draft regulations seen by the Irish Mirror, one rule states that if a customer leaves the premises for any reason, the recommendation is that they will be required to notify a staff member and be provided with a “clearly identifiable non-transferable ‘tag/stamp’ which must be returned/checked on re-entry.”
The draft document gives an example of a customer leaving a premises to have a cigarette and may be required to re-enter the pub or restaurant using the main entrance.
The document states the “key element” to businesses owners is that it has taken “reasonable steps to ensure that no person other than a permitted person is admitted to a relevant indoor premises” and that “all processes will need to be robust.”
Under the government’s plans, only fully vaccinated, children and people who have recovered from infection in the previous six months will be allowed to eat and drink indoors.
The draft also outlines that before a customer is allowed to sit at a designated table or counter space indoors, they must present proof of immunity.
Pub and restaurant owners will also be required to record the details of the “lead party’s” name and contact number as well as the number of persons in the party for a maximum of 28 days.
