The government has announced new trading restrictions for hospitality and leisure sectors effective from December 7 to January 9.

Social distancing is required in all bars, restaurants and hotels, including:

• table service only (no counter service)

•  1 metre between tables

•  maximum 6 adults per table (maximum 15 persons when including children [aged 12 and younger

In Association with

•  no multiple table bookings and no intermingling

•  masks when not seated at table

•  closing time remains unchanged (midnight closing time for all on-licenced premises)

•  maximum 50% capacity at indoor entertainment, cultural, community and sporting events which must be fully seated. This does not include religious or educational events or normal workplace business activity.

•  face masks should be worn at all times unless eating or drinking.

•  requirement for Covid pass (vaccination or recovery) for gyms and leisure centres (excluding access to swimming pools or standalone swimming pool facilities) and hotel bars and restaurants, with no exemption for residents.

•  nightclubs prohibited from opening.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin (pictured) said there will be no change to rules surrounding weddings or outdoor gatherings.

Finance minister Paschal Donohoe said that Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) terms are not being amended.

However he is introducing a new support for businesses in the hospitality sector that are subject to restrictions on operating.

This will adjust the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) and will involve a weekly payment of 12% of turnover for qualifying businesses.

Businesses that expect their turnover to be below half of what it was in 2019 will quality for this support. The payment will amount to 12% of their turnover for the same week in 2019, up to a maximum weekly payment of €5,000.

There will also be a further extension of the current targeted commercial rates waiver for the first quarter of 2022. This will be put in place at an additional cost of c.€62m.

Martin said additional funding of €25m, in addition to the allocation of €25 million already provided for in Budget 2022, will be made available to support the live entertainment sector.

The government has also agreed to a limited re-opening of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment for workers who are temporarily laid off due to the impact of the latest public health restrictions.

Heather Humphreys, Minister for Social Protection, said details are being worked on over the weekend and that it will be open to applicants from Tuesday December 7.

Pic: RollingNews.ie