TWO key restrictions for pubs and restaurants in Ireland are set to be lifted next month as a return to normality begins to pull into view.
Three weeks ago, indoor dining returned - much to the relief of publicans and pub-goers around the country.
It represented the first time all pubs and restaurants in Ireland were able to fully reopen since the pandemic began, though a number of restrictions still needed to be adhered to.
However, as of next month, two key rules could be lifted.
Mandatory closing times could become a thing of the past, while limits on table-size could also be binned, according to reports.
Currently, all pubs and restaurants must close by 11.30pm, while tables are limited to a maximum of 6 adults, but this could be about to change.
Only those who have been fully vaccinated are allowed to access indoor dining areas, and as more and more people get their shots, the government can start considering easing more restrictions.
By September, it's expected that all adults in the country will have been offered both of their jabs, and given Ireland's high vaccine uptake, it means that opening things up will be done safely, in all likelihood.
It comes as the chief executive of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) said he thinks that it's only "a matter of time" before all restrictions in pubs are lifted.
"The new guidelines make clear we're moving towards a full reopening of society and it's now only a matter of time before all restrictions in pubs, such as mandatory table service and the ban on people sitting at bar counters are removed," said Padraig Cribben.
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