![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/2.59989500.png\")
Indoor hospitality in Ireland is set to reopen for people with evidence of full vaccination or immunity from Covid-19 from July 26th at the latest.<\/p>\nIndoor hospitality in Ireland is set to reopen for people with evidence of full vaccination or immunity from Covid-19 from July 26th at the latest.<\/p>\n
The Cabinet approved new legislation on Monday so those who are fully vaccinated or have had the virus within the last six months can enter cafes, restaurants, pubs and other licensed venues.<\/p>\n
Accompanying minors will also be allowed to enter with parents or guardians and social distancing measures will still apply.<\/p>\n
T\u00e1naiste Leo Varadkar confirmed the decision on Monday evening, but admitted it is \u201cnot the ideal way\u201d to reopen indoor hospitality.<\/p>\n
He said he hopes the approach is not seen as \u201cdiscrimination\u201d, adding it is \u201centirely a public health measure\u201d.<\/p>\n
The reopening plan comes following days of talks between the hospitality sector and senior Government officials about the resumption of indoor hospitality.<\/p>\n
The legislation is set to be passed by the D\u00e1il this week to come into force next week, or by July 26th at the latest.<\/p>\n
It will run until October 9th, after when any extension must be approved by the D\u00e1il and Seanad.<\/p>\n
Under the legislation, people caught attempting to use fake Covid-19 certificates in order to avail of indoor dining will face a fine of up to \u20ac2,000.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis new law means that people who have evidence of immunity through vaccination or infection in the past nine months will be able to enter indoor hospitality venues,\u201d Mr Varadkar said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are entering a new phase of the pandemic largely due to the vaccination program.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year we tried to live with Covid, and we were unable to do so, but we believe this is now possible as a consequence of the vaccination program.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe intend to reopen in a sustainable way.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cOur intention is to move forward slowly and never to have to move backwards, and we\u2019re conscious of what we have seen in other parts of Europe.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t guarantee that won\u2019t happen here but our objective is that it shouldn\u2019t happen, and that\u2019s why we\u2019re moving slowly in steps so that we can get businesses open and get people back to work, and make sure they don\u2019t have to close again.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Restaurants Association of Ireland welcomed the move as a \u201cgiant leap towards reopening hospitality businesses safely, viably and sustainably\u201d.<\/p>\n
Chief executive Adrian Cummins said: \u201cWhile we don\u2019t live in perfect pre-Covid world, the announcement will give confidence to a sector we are moving forward in a direction that will give the opportunity to 20,000 hospitality businesses reopen indoors and 180,000 employees return to work<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s vital we protect our staff and customers by following public health advice and abide by the guidelines.\u201d<\/p>\n
Earlier, the Taoiseach said he did not accept England\u2019s approach of allowing Covid-19 to \u201crip\u201d through the country.<\/p>\n
Miche\u00e1l Martin refused to give a date for when restaurants and bars will be allowed to serve customers indoors, saying only that a plan will be in place for July 19th.<\/p>\n
He added that the legislation will be in line with public health advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet).<\/p>\n
He also said antigen testing for indoor dining will be considered in later phases.<\/p>\n
Monday saw an additional 600 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland, the Department of Health said.<\/p>\n