Government asked to allow customers sit at counter in pubs that only serve alcohol

The Government will be asked to permit customers in more than 3,000 pubs which have yet to be allowed to open to drink at the bar.

New guidelines aimed at reducing the risk of Covid-19 and which are specific to the remaining pubs only serving alcohol are to to be published this week by Fáilte Ireland.

According to the Irish Independent, it's understood a key request is that customers be allowed to have a drink at the counter which is seen as essential for rural pubs.

Pubs serving food which are currently open do not allow customers to sit at the bar.

Padraig Cribben, chief executive of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, says some pubs may not be able to open without bar space.