After months in the wilderness, the customs officers finally have answers.
However, many questions remain as the hospitality industry adopts Fáilte Ireland’s new guidelines.
Alan Kelly, owner of Thatch Bar in Tuam, Co Galway, says there is widespread confusion.
“I can foresee a lot of confusion when the back office opens up.
“When someone comes into my bar, they have 105 minutes inside, but can they go outside for as long as they want?
“A lot of regulations don’t make sense. If I’m inside and three feet apart and the government says I’m safe, why am I leaving?
“Obviously these politicians are not doing business in Dublin. They don’t understand how those extra things that might seem like nothing can have huge ramifications.
“We need to hire additional staff like someone at the door checking everyone in to make sure they have the right time.
“Was the Dáil bar open when these rules were being drawn up?
“It seems like someone was drunk when they wrote them because they don’t make sense.
“When Paddy, Mick, and Johnny have a drink and their 105 minutes are up, does anyone really think they’ll be going home?” You will obviously go to a different pub.
“And even with the closing at 11.30 p.m., young people go to house parties – that’s where the disease will spread.
“Half the country will turn around and say it’s the pubs’ fault. It’s not the pubs fault. It’s the regulation’s fault.
“Writing these rules and regulations is one thing, but living them is another.”
Cathal Sheridan owns Sheridan’s Bar and Restaurant in Milltown, Co Galway.
He’s starting work on an outdoor seating area before reopening next week.
“I consider it a 10 year investment. We will talk about this virus for a long time.
“As for the six adults and nine children who are allowed to sit at a table, I don’t think I’ve ever turned such a table, to be honest.
“How do you police that? I feel like sometimes they make up things as they move on.
“The biggest problem for me and everyone will be the 105 minutes allowed for drinking indoors in July.
“Another thing I’m nervous about is of course the weather. What if we get a month of June like May?
“I could have booked a terrace for the weekend and then we get a barrage of rain and cancellations.
“I’ll definitely do it because I’m crazy about opening up, but it’s going to be hard.”