Irish pubs may face a further obstacle to reopening as the government considers stricter rules on food service.
The Irish Independent reports that only genuine ‘gastro pubs’ with a chef and kitchen will be allowed to reopen under the next stage of eased restrictions.
The measure would leave ‘wet pubs’ with next-door takeaways, food trucks or outside catering unable to reopen.
It was reported that the rules are intended to prevent pubs serving sandwiches and pizzas to get around the €9 substantial meal requirement.
Restaurants are expected to be allowed to reopen in the coming weeks. The first stage of reopening, beginning from Wednesday, will see non-essential retail, hairdressers, barbers and gyms opening once more.
The National Public Health Emergency Team is due to meet today (Wednesday), before making recommendations to government on plans to exit Level 5 restrictions.
An announcement from on Taoiseach Micheál Martin on the details of the next stage is expected on Thursday or Friday.
