By Seán Defoe
Less than a month after lifting the closing time restrictions on the hospitality sector they're being reimposed from this Thursday.
Nightclubs, pubs and restaurants will have new closing hours of 12 midnight from this Thursday under plans agreed by Cabinet.
However, there will be different arrangements for hotel bars.
It comes after a Waterford publican and Cllr called for the full closure of pubs and nightclubs ahead of the Christmas period.
While Cabinet Ministers have also approved new advice for people to work from home where they can from Friday, but the language will say it has to happen 'where practicable' - accepting some businesses won't be able to accommodate that.
Vaccine and Covid Certs
A booster vaccine campaign for over 50s has been agreed - with the Taoiseach telling the meeting there will be capacity for 230,000 jabs a week.
There is also to be changes made to rules around close contacts - meaning once there is a confirmed Covid case in a household everyone in that home will have to stay at home for five days, and will be sent antigen tests.
Digital Covid Certs won't be required for access to gyms, barbers and hairdressers
They will now be needed for cinemas and theatres though many were doing this anyway to ensure 100% capacity.
A full update from the Government on the proposed changes is expected by this evening.
