Nightclubs to re-open from Friday

Nightclubs are set to re-open from Friday, the Taoiseach has announced today. Pub and restaurant opening hours will also return to normal.

Religious services and weddings can now proceed without capacity limits.

The further easing of restrictions planned for 22 October has been revealed with the Government allowing the clubs to reopen at full capacity for those with Covid passes.

However, they will have to observe other restrictions – including the collection of contact tracing details and the wearing of masks, except when eating, drinking and dancing.

Further specific sectoral guidance will be developed for nightclubs, but has not yet been announced.

Audiences will have to be fully seated at all indoor music, theatre and sporting events - although people will be permitted to stand at their seats. This will affect a number of gigs in Cork Opera House during the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival.

Other measures include:

•table service only in hospitality settings (max of 10 adults per table, and max 15 including children)

•Covid-19 passes and fixed capacity limits will not apply for outdoor events. However, sectors should ensure appropriate protective measures are in place

•return to workplaces will continue on a phased and cautious basis for specific business requirements

•where indoor groups have a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated people indoors, pods of 6 should apply

See gov.ie/en/publication/83946-public-health-measures-that-will-come-into-place-in-october/ for more.