Takeaway pints are most definitely back on the menu with gardai confirming the latest rules after the first easing of lockdown restrictions
Ahead of what looks to be a belter of a weekend, many will be travelling around the county and meeting outdoors with a friend, perhaps wondering if they should grab a takeaway pint or two.
The Government finally lifted the dreaded 5km travel limit at the start of the week and have hinted that more restrictions could be changed if Covid cases continue to stay low.
And the good news for publicans all across the country is that takeaway pints are not against the law and Irish pubs can continue to serve them this weekend.
A garda spokesperson said:"The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No.10) Regulations 2020 are currently in force.
"Markets and outlets selling food or beverages on a takeaway basis are amongst the essential retail outlets listed in Schedule Part 1.
"The sale of alcohol on a takeaway basis is not a breach of the public health regulations, however other legislation such as Liquor Licensing Acts, Public Order Act and Local Authority Byelaws may apply."
The news comes as the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar reaffirmed that the plans to reopen hairdressers and barbers in May is on track.
However, it is unlikely every personal service will reopen at once on May 4.
Speaking on RTE, the Fine Gael leader also provided an insight into when the public will hear definitive confirmation about when and what measures will be lifted next.
"I'm not saying the fourth of May (for a precise date of reopening) - that's unlikely - but over the course of the month of May, there will be a phased reopening of personal services including hairdressers and barbers.
"What we'll also do at the end of April is that we'll develop the plan for June and July. That's looking good but of course, things can go wrong and it does depend on four things - vaccines, variants, case numbers and the state of our hospitals."
