Pubs and restaurants may be facing the prospect of not being able to reopen their doors to indoor customers for Christmas, it has emerged.
During a briefing with business groups late last night, sources said Tánaiste Leo Varadkar explained that the aim of the incoming Level 5 restrictions is to get the country back to Level 3 by December 1.
However under Level 3, restaurants, cafes and pubs can only remain open for take-away and delivery and outdoor dining or service to a maximum of 15 people.
Level 2 would allow them to reopen indoor services so long as certain protections and restrictions are in place. But several sources familiar with last night's conference call confirmed Leo Varadkar indicated he was not optimistic that Level 2