Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2021
293. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if indoor games such as darts, pool, snooker and so on are now permitted in an indoor hospitality setting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53958/21]
View answerIndoor sporting event spectator capacity is now 100% for adults with a COVID-19 certificate and separate provisions apply for accompanied and unaccompanied minors. It is of course essential that all such events adhere to best practice in relation to infection prevention control procedures and practices. However, any events, sporting or otherwise, that are held on licensed premises are subject to the applicable requirements and guidance for live entertainment and indoor hospitality.
COVID-19-related sectoral guidelines for a range of tourism and hospitality businesses are published on the Fáilte Ireland website. These guidelines assist such businesses to operate as safely as possible through the ongoing pandemic and their development has been overseen collaboratively by my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment given how the hospitality sector has both tourism and enterprise aspects.
With specific regard to those guidelines covering the types of tourism and hospitality businesses (e.g. pubs) that might provide access for customers to indoor games such as darts, pool and snooker, the relevant guidelines require that customers remain seated at their table except when using the toilet, paying, arriving and departing, or ordering food or drink from a bar counter that can meet the requirements to provide for an appropriate, physically distanced queuing system. Accordingly the playing of darts, pool or snooker, as games that are played while standing, is not permitted in an indoor hospitality setting under these guidelines.
I acknowledge that the ongoing public health restrictions continue to be challenging for tourism and hospitality businesses. However in the ongoing pandemic – and particularly in light of the current epidemiological situation – the Government’s aim is to allow as many businesses as possible reopen and continue operating in the safest possible way. Accordingly it is important that we continue to adhere to COVID-19-related guidelines and public health advice in order to minimise opportunities for the transmission of the virus.
