Ireland has entered the next phase of its reopening.

As Ireland’s nightclubs reopen this evening, the government has clarified the guidelines around how late-night venues are expected to manage Covid safety measures.

Despite controversy and concern over Ireland’s case numbers, including increasing numbers of people in the ICU, nightclubs and late-bars will reopen at 100% capacity tonight (October 22nd), with trading hours restored to pre-pandemic norms.

As confirmed earlier in the week, masks will be necessary in clubs unless you are dancing, drinking or eating.

One of the most controversial guidelines involves a call for socially distanced queueing at counters, with drinks to be brought back to a table as soon as they are purchased.

The Licensed Vintners Association issued a statement welcoming the measures, though they did express concern over the implementation of rules around ordering at the bar.

“Broadly speaking these are positive measures which seem to have resolved some of the outstanding issues,” the statement read.

“While the use of order and collect at the bar is a step in the right direction, we do foresee challenges in how that is implemented in busy venues. We were disappointed that the use of the full bar counter hasn’t been permitted across the trade given what else has been approved.”

Elsewhere, venues for live music can now have standing crowds of 1,500 for dancing/standing and full capacity for seated events.

October 22nd had originally been earmarked as the day that Ireland would do away with all restrictions, including the need to wear a mask or socially distance indoors. Covid passes at venues had also been intended to be scrapped, though they will be retained under the current guidelines.