Nightclubs and gig venues in Ireland will be able to fully reopen from October 22, the government has confirmed.
A four-stage reopening plan has been outlined and approved this week, with "high-risk activities," such as clubbing, set to return as the final stage in Ireland’s reopening from its COVID-19 lockdown. A pilot club event is also scheduled to take place sometime this month, though details on the event are yet to be announced.
Announcing the reopening plan, the government said that each stage was dependent on the success of the country’s vaccine rollout. Over 90 percent of over-16s will need to be fully vaccinated for the restrictions to be lifted. As of August 30, 88 percent of over-18s have been fully vaccinated, according to Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Public transport will now be able to operate at full capacity as part of the reopening plan, and from September 6, venues will be able to operate at 60 percent capacity for those who are vaccinated, and 50 percent for those who are not. Live indoor music events must be fully seated for now though.
In the final stage of the reopening, from October 22, most COVID-19 measures will be relaxed. Mask-wearing in healthcare settings, indoor shops and on public transport will still be required though, while self-isolation will continue to be mandatory if you develop COVID-19 symptoms.
The Irish government’s announcement of a reopening plan follows on from pressure from the Give Us The Night campaign, which shared an open letter to the government last month, demanding more cooperation with, and support for, Ireland’s nightlife industry.
