MANY pubs across the Republic opened yesterday for the first time since March following the lifting of coronavirus restrictions.
In Dublin, however, all bars not serving food remained closed after the city was placed under tighter measures following a surge of positive cases of Covid-19.
It comes ahead of a similar lifting of restrictions in Northern Ireland tomorrow when 'wet pubs' or drink-only pubs can re-open subject to conditions.
An indicative date of August 10 had been set for their re-opening, but that was pushed back to September 1. It was delayed again to September 21 due to "increased transmission" of the virus in Northern Ireland.
And earlier this month the date was postponed to tomorrow to enable new health and safety regulations for the hospitality sector to be implemented.
For the publicans in the Republic allowed to open their doors again yesterday, strict guidelines are in place including a limit on customer numbers and social distancing measures.
Table service is also mandatory with other guidelines related to noise levels, employee movements and contact tracing.
In Dublin, however, pubs not serving food remained shut.
New restrictions introduced by the Irish government at the weekend mean they will remain closed for the next three weeks.
The measures mean indoor service in bars and restaurants is prohibited in Dublin, although establishments are allowed to serve customers outdoors, but in limited numbers.
