Pubs are back in business from Monday and a sneak peek to sample a pint of the black stuff was just what the doctor ordered.
As I entered Gibney’s pub in Malahide, Co Dublin, the first thing that caught my eye was the screens and hand sanitisers.
The iconic nooks and crannies were stunning and intact, but partitioning with two metres apart between tables was far more sterile than before.
Where you’d usually have the banter with your barman where you order, all orders will be conducted at your assigned table.
You will stick to your table and the banter with random strangers won’t be encouraged.
I was told I would have to book beforehand online, as the chances of getting in the door on spec may be slim.
The traditional Irish pub has been missed desperately during lockdown and now it’s back with sanitising stations at every exit and five behind the bar for the staff.
Malahide native Tony Gibney, 70, has been running the famous traditional family pub for over four decades, with his two brothers, Barry and John.
With ten sons between them and two grandkids running the show, the clan are gunning to open their doors.
The staff are all wearing visors and the K95 masks with staff sticking to their individual sections, key to controlling the spread of the virus.
Tony told the Irish Mirror: “People have been stuck together all the time and they want to get out, the fear is none of us publicans will have the capacity to hold everyone in the community, so the more pubs that open the better.
“The government are asking us to stay local, so we’d ask our good customers from further afield to bear with us.
“Every pub is down to a third its capacity so it won’t be the same as before, but we can’t wait to welcome everyone back.
“The big fear for all of us is our reduced capacity, this is a community pub.”
Tony explained how the pub will be different but publicans the nation over want to make sure customers are safe whilst keeping the craic alive.
He added: “The reason we have the staff wearing visors is so that the customer will still see our faces, which is so important for human interaction.
“We know there is no live music, there will be live sports eventually but with the 90 minute rule it’s tricky.
“We won’t be kicking people out, but we’ll gently remind them about the 90 minute rule per table, common sense will prevail ultimately, it’s not going to be policed.
“We don’t want to go around like generals telling them to go home, we still want people to feel like they’re having fun, but we’ll remind people gently.
“I don’t think it will be as enjoyable as before, because the restrictions are so severe, but they have to be because of Covid 19.
“But we will get there to create the same great atmosphere over time.”
