Kerry publican 'surprised' at new guidelines for 100% capacity

One Kerry publican says new guidelines around pubs, nightclubs and live venues aren’t clear, but are "clear enough for us to proceed".

It comes as nightclubs will be able to open at 100% capacity from Friday night, once everyone attending is vaccinated.

Up to 1,500 people will also be allowed to stand at indoor gig venues, and a 11:30pm closing time for pubs and restaurants is scrapped.

Tables will be limited to a maximum of 10 adults, but people can make multiple bookings.

And while table service remains, people can queue at the bar once social distancing is observed.

George Savage is publican and owner of ‘The Blasket’ in Tralee, Co Kerry.

He told Newstalk Breakfast the guidelines went further than he thought they would.

"They’re definitely not clear, but they’re clear enough for us to proceed definitely.

"We’re delighted to be opening, we were waiting to see would we be opening.

"I think another key part of re-opening was would there be table service, because staffing etc it’ll be quite challenging - so that’s not really a part of it.

"And I suppose it’s kind of surprising they’re saying 100% - but I don’t think it’s practical for smaller venues like ourselves to go to actual 100%".

George says at 100% capacity, his venue would "absolutely not" be able to accommodate social distancing.

"We’ll have to cordon off areas close to the bar counters so that people can queue in a socially distant manner."

But he says this is nothing new for them.

"Look it’s great to get open, we’re absolutely delighted to get open.

"I suppose part of our job description is that we control crowds, we have people at the front door - so checking the COVID passports and all that, that’s not new to us.

"We’re used to that, we’re used to engaging with customers so it’s not a huge shock to our system".