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03rd Dec 2021

Nphet recommend concerts to be reduced by half until January

Ellen Fitzpatrick

The industry is in jeopardy.

As Cabinet meets to discuss new measures being brought in for the Christmas period, Nphet has advised that new rules be given to indoor venues and events.

Concerts and events should be made to cut their capacity in half in the weeks over Christmas, Nphet has recommended according to the Irish Independent.

Health officials want venues across the country to operate at only 50% capacity until early January despite thousands of tickets already being sold.

According to reports, the group has also recommended that nightclubs close entirely until January 9 via a letter sent to government today.

With gigs, pantos and theatre production all set to have events over the coming weeks and is set to cause major hassle for event providers.

Pantos have already been put under pressure as Government have called for parents to limit their children going to social events, with pantomimes named in particular.

Dermot Kennedy is also set to play the 3Arena later this month, as well as The Lion King coming to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre over Christmas.

The advice has now been left in the hands of the Government as they now need to decide what step to take, keeping Nphet’s advice in mind.

With an emergency cabinet meeting underway, Nphet is also advising that only six people should be allowed at a table in a restaurant, with multiple bookings banned.

Household visits should be limited to four households, with these restrictions hoped to be in place until January 9th.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has also asked airlines to ensure they thoroughly check for negative Covid tests upon entry into Ireland from Sunday.

A full Cabinet meeting could be held later today for the Government to sign off on any decisions advised.