NPHET seeks stop to indoor dining in Dublin pubs and restaurants

​The Cabinet is to consider a request from the National Public Health Emergency Team to stop indoor dining at pubs and restaurants in Dublin.

Given the rise in Covid-19 cases in the capital over the last seven days, senior figures are tonight indicating that Government will agree to the proposal.

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It would mean that these pubs and restaurants could only serve customers if they have outdoor areas or offer a take-away service.

The Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland has said the move would be "a disaster" for his members.  Adrian Cummins said there had been "no prior consultation" with the RAI about such a move.

He said he is "shocked" that stopping indoor dining for a few weeks is being considered given that "the spread of the virus in Dublin is predominantly in households, with very little to almost no cases in the hospitality sector."

He added: "Currently, controlled and regulated environments like restaurants are not the problem, households are."

The Licensed Vintners Association has described the recommendation as "a pick and mix approach" to the measures in the plan for Living with Covid-19.

A spokesperson for the LVA, which represents Dublin publicans, said the proposal would put Dublin city and county at Level 3 of the plan; bars serving food, restaurants and cafes at Level 4; with wet pubs at a level stricter than Level 5.

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