Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020
221. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the position on the restrictions on cafés (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41557/20]
View answerA suite of sector-specific guidelines have been published on the Fáilte Ireland website to assist tourism and hospitality businesses reopen and operate in line with Resilience & Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with Covid-19 and the new Work Safely Protocol. Designed as “living documents”, these guidelines are updated periodically, as required, in line with the latest Government health advice and related restrictions/provisions.
The guidelines of relevance to cafés are the “Guidelines for Re-opening Restaurants & Cafés”, which are available on the Fáilte Ireland website. These comprehensive operational guidelines cover a range of important matters, including putting together a business response and action plan; employee and customer health; ventilation; employee responsibilities; physical distancing; cleaning products and protocols; back of house; and the kitchen area; as well as guidance on dealing with suppliers of goods and services.
With specific regard to the purchase of coffee for consumption on-site in a café, there is no accompanying requirement also to purchase a substantial meal with the coffee. That requirement applies to businesses and services where intoxicating liquor is sold or supplied for consumption on the premises where, in line with the restrictions applying at present, alcohol may only be served to those also ordering a substantial meal for consumption during or after the meal.
