ONE OF Dublin's most iconic bars has promised it will not reopen for indoor dining until its staff can be fully protected.
Pantibar, one of the capital's most prominent gay bars owned by drag queen and activist Panti Bliss, has confirmed it will not reopen for indoor dining this Monday.
From 26 July, pubs across Ireland will be able to open for indoor dining for the first time in seven months, but only for people who are fully vaccinated or have recently recovered from Covid-19.
The plans have caused controversy among the public, with many pointing out that hospitality staff tend to be young and will likely not be vaccinated-- meaning they will be expected to serve fully vaccinated customers indoors but will not be able to dine indoors themselves.
Most bars and restaurants plan to adhere to the new rules, however Pantibar and Pennylane , based on Capel Street in the city centre, have said they will not be operating any indoor dining until their staff have had the opportunity to be fully protected against the virus.
In a statement, the bar wrote:
"Right now, most of our young staff are not fully vaccinated, and with their safety in mind, we have decided that- for now- we will *not* reopen indoor service.
"Hopefully, in just a couple more weeks, most of the staff will be vaccinated and we will reopen indoor service then.
IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT INDOOR SERVICE AT PANTIBAR & PENNYLANE in light of today's Government decision to allow indoor service from Monday pic.twitter.com/q0X8JibX37
— Dr Panti Bliss-Cabrera (@PantiBliss) July 21, 2021
"In the meantime, we will continue to welcome you to our outdoor spaces."
The bar thanked their thanked their customers for their "continued understanding and patience".
As per the legislation, which passed through the Dáil last week, only fully vaccinated individuals may access these indoor areas. Vaccine certificates have been sent to every adult in the country who has either received both their jabs, or has recovered from Covid-19 in the last six months.
These certificates will need to be produced upon entry to indoor dining areas, and the Government is also in the process of launching a Covid Cert app, which will have a QR code that can be scanned by staff.
Customers will also be required to show their ID upon entry, to ensure that their vaccine pass belongs to them.
Social distancing and mask-wearing will still apply.
See More: Indoor Dining, Irish Pub, Panti Bliss, Pantibar
