It’s outdoor dining only for the coming three weeks.

At midnight tonight, Cork will join the entire country at Level 3 on the Government’s ‘Living with Covid-19’ risk rating, meaning indoor dining is banned until the end of the month.

The situation will be reviewed by the government, based on the status of the virus and public health advice, on October 27th, 2020

In the meantime, as part of the Level 3 restrictions, only pubs and restaurants with outdoor seating can continue to welcome customers, serving no more than 15 at a time. All other businesses are permitted to serve takeaway only.

It’s a measure that has angered the hospitality industry locally, plunging beleaguered businesses into confusion and effectively shuttering many premises that do not have access to an outdoor space.

“The impact of these tighter restrictions will be immensely challenging for those operating in food and beverage, hospitality or culture-based venues.” said Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber.

“Our economy and business community are in a highly vulnerable position now. A real push is now needed from all of society, to return to level two, and ensure we can resume meaningful economic activity for retail and hospitality before Christmas.”

Friends, we’re so sorry to let you know that we will be closed tomorrow + for the next few days as we finalise plans for how we’ll operate for the duration of the Level 3 Restrictions.

We unfortunately have to cancel all reservations for the next 3 weeks. More below 👇 pic.twitter.com/Fjq3dUNO5G

— Good Day Deli (@GoodDayDeli) October 5, 2020

At Good Day Deli on Douglas Street, owners Clare Condon and Kristin Makirere have been forced to cancel all October reservations as they work on a new plan for a limited outdoor brunch.

Over on the South Mall, General Manager of The Imperial Hotel Bastien Peyraud called on the Government to release more detail on the Level 3 restrictions: “We need clarity and support.” Mr Peyraud tweeted. “We need it NOW please! What will I say to my team?”

Owner of Duke’s Coffee Aidan Duke said the hospitality industry has been “disrespected and singled out without reason or explanation.”

“Tomorrow I can go to Cork Airport and fly to Tenerife and Amsterdam but can’t leave County Cork or eat in a cafe, pub or restaurant.” he tweeted.

Tomorrow I can go to @CorkAirport and fly to #Tenerife & #Amsterdam but can’t leave County #Cork or eat in a cafe, pub or restaurant 🤷‍♂️

Hospitality and it’s workforce is again disrespected & singled out without reason or explanation. @RAI_ie @LeoVaradkar @Failte_Ireland

— dukes (@dukescoffeeco) October 6, 2020

CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland Adrian Cummins pointed out that Ireland is now the only country in the European Union with a ban on indoor dining.

“Putting Ireland’s entire Restaurant/ Hospitality Industry on level 3 restrictions is utterly disproportionate, devastating for workers and business owners, plus lacking in evidence-based rationale,” he said.