Publicans say they would lose 87% of standing capacity if two metre social distancing is introduced when bars reopen. Their representatives say many pubs will only be able to function if the the one metre WHO guideline is adopted.
The Licensed Vinters Association (LVA) which represents Dublin publicans and the Vinters Federation of Ireland (VFI) which represents the rest of the country commissioned a report on the effects of social distancing.
It found that when the layout of a typical bar was taken into account the two metre social distancing rule would reduce capacity by up to 87% of standing customers and 66% of those seated.