Dublin:  Thousands of pubs and restaurants across Dublin are reopening their doors to indoor hospitality today for the first time in months.  Restaurants, bars, cafes and food courts across the country have been allowed to provide indoor services to customers who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or have recovered from the disease in the past six months, as well as to children under 18 in their care, according to new government guidelines.

Ireland had banned indoor hospitality services for more than 16 months since the pandemic broke out in the country in late February 2020, causing a huge loss to its hospitality sector, which employed an estimated 180,000 people prior to the pandemic, according to local media reports.

Now, Customers must show their EU Digital Covid Certificate or other valid proof of immunity before entering indoor hospitality venues.  They will also be required to bring their photo ID. Children will not have to show proof of immunity, but they may be checked for their age at the premises Those aged under 18 will be exempted. Customers will be required to wear face covers at all times while seated. A maximum of six people aged 13 or above can be served at a table. This limit does not include children younger than 12. There is no time limit on how long customers can stay, but all businesses must close at 11.30 p.m. While the reopening of indoor hospitality services is widely welcomed by businesses and consumers, it also raises concerns among local public health officials and residents.

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