A pub owner has cast doubts over whether the new 'Covid passport' for pubs is a good idea.
David Chalk, owner and manager of the Bank Pub in Dublin, has said that he still hasn't seen "what this vaccine passport is going to look like" and cast doubts if "it's going to be really workable."
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, Chalk was asked how publicans plan on checking people's vaccine certs and if pubs have the resources to do so?
He said: "This time last year, when we were opened, we were able to do contract tracing for people that were coming in. I still haven't seen what this vaccine passport is going to look like. I still don't see how it's going to be really workable but will see what we're given and what we're dealt with.
"Again, we have to do what we have to do to try and get open but it still seems to be that people can be allowed into hotels without a vaccine passport and yet bars and restaurants are told no.
With a date for indoor reopening and a new set of rules to be agreed upon today, there are still plenty of questions that remain unanswered. For example, it's uncertain if people be categorically refused entry to an establishment if they don't have proof of vaccination or that they've recovered from Covid.
"We'll just have to see what the legislation says. I don't know what or who's going to be enforcing this, how it's going to work. Again, we're going to do what we have to do to get open. I'm not one that's massively into discriminating against customers. And again, I'd never thought that I'd be in a situation where people's medical records and personal information is information that we need to be checking. If people are adults, they're adults."
He adds: "How are we supposed to check somebody that previously had Covid? That's one I'm really looking forward to seeing, what's the information on that?"
In terms of the changes that will be introduced, the new legislation will allow vaccinated people to eat and drink inside bars and restaurants.
Elsewhere, those who have recently recovered from Covid-19 will also be allowed to enter bars and restaurants.
Those aged under 18 can also enter bars and restaurants if they are accompanied by vaccinated parents or another person who has received all their jabs.
Under the new system, proof of vaccination will be required and this can be done through downloading an app with a QR (quick response) code or in paper form.
Those who have had vaccines in the North, Britain and the US will be allowed entry into bars and restaurants if they have genuine proof of vaccination.
Mr Chalk was critical of how the information about the future of restaurants and pubs seemed to be leaked.
"It all seems to be kind of drip-fed again. I'm just reading it myself and we're kind of the last to hear again, people in the actual industry. It's very frustrating but obviously, some of the things seem a bit ridiculous.
"I know that we are very eager to get open and it seems to be a very 'take it or leave it' approach from the government. I even heard Padraig Cribben say earlier that if we don't take it, we'll be closed until September' at the earliest," he said.
