Fáilte Ireland's new outdoor hospitality guidelines 'unworkable' — Restaurants Association 

The changes to the guidance for the hospitality industry come after the Tánaiste attended a private outdoor party for former Minister Katherine Zappone in Dublin's Merrion Hotel in July. Picture: Michael O'Sullivan /OSM PHOTO

The Restaurants Association of Ireland has said new guidelines for the hospitality industry from Fáilte Ireland are "unworkable".

The guidelines published this morning allow live music and performances and multiple tables to be booked in outdoor areas for up to 200 people.

While allowing multiple tables to be booked is a departure from the original guidelines, intermingling between the tables is not permitted and the 11.30pm curfew remains.

The new guidelines state that customers should wear face coverings/masks when moving around the outdoor dining area.

The capacity of the outdoor event area must be reviewed and the "overall capacity will depend on the size of the outdoor event area where customers will be seated," the new guidelines state.

Live music will be permitted at weddings outdoors, but dancing will continue to be prohibited.

The changes to the guidance come after the Tánaiste attended a private outdoor party for former Minister Katherine Zappone in Dublin's Merrion Hotel in July.

The Attorney General has since clarified that this event was within the law, but was not reflected in the Failte Ireland guidelines given to pubs and restaurants.

After meetings between government officials and the tourism board on Thursday, the new guidelines were sent to businesses on Friday.

The management of the bar or restaurant is responsible for minimising the number of arrival and departure points for customers and dedicated employees must always monitor and manage physical distancing rather than simply rely on signage. 

Queueing procedures must be implemented if customers cannot be seated immediately.

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Customers must remain seated at their table except when availing of the food counter service, using the toilet, paying, arriving, and departing.

Customers can use a food service counter, a BBQ, or buffet but are not permitted to access bar counters to order drinks.

As previously outlined, a maximum of six people aged 13 or over are permitted at a table. This limit of six does not include accompanying children aged 12 or younger and the total combined capacity at a table cannot exceed 15 overall.

Social distancing of at least one metre should be maintained between people seated at tables.

The guidelines state an outdoor area must not be "wholly enclosed or substantially enclosed" which in practice means it must not have sides (including windows, doors, gates or other fittings that can be opened or shut) that enclose more than 50% of the perimeter of that area.

For example, a marquee or gazebo with a roof and four sides would not be an outdoor space and would be required to have at least 50% of its wall area open to the external air.

The frequency of cleaning and disinfecting the following key areas and items must be at a minimum twice daily.

Adrian Cummins of the Restaurant Association Ireland says the new guidelines are "unworkable".

"We're not happy. These will be very difficult to implement," he said. "Trying to police the intermingling of tables will be a big issue straight away.

"It's very unworkable for the industry. 

If you have 33 tables of six, how do you stop people moving from table to table? Have someone to mind them?

"You could have 200 people on a street and no one cares. They should've spoken to the industry in the last 48 hours and we would've explained that.

"We've been outside the door again. We'll be looking for a future meeting with government to discuss how to police this."

The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) has welcomed the publication of new Failte Ireland reopening guidelines. 

In a statement, the VFI said it hoped the new rules would "bring clarity to a number of issues" including the numbers permitted to attend outdoor events and parties.

“We welcome the clarity these new guidelines offer our members," said Padraig Cribben, VFI Chief Executive.

"Pubs are now permitted to facilitate outdoor parties for up to 200 people while live music makes a welcome return also in outdoor settings.

Mr Cribben said the new guidelines "make clear we’re moving towards a full reopening of society." 

"It’s now only a matter of time before all restrictions in pubs such as mandatory table service and the ban on people sitting at bar counters are removed," he added.

Confusion

A government minister has admitted the messaging around hospitality rules has been confusing.

Malcolm Noonan has said the new rules should go some way towards allaying any misunderstanding.

"It certainly has been confusing to people, I think that's why today is important that we have that clarification," he said.

"I think it's not just the event in the Merrion Hotel that sparked this is. There have been events and situations where people have not been clear. I think we needed that clarity, and today we have it and I think it's a positive step forward.

"It was needed, it was needed by the hospitality sector, and needed by those who are working the hospitality sector and people who just go out and enjoy what are gradually easing restrictions."