Updated: 26 October 2021, 6pm

Live music indoors
The Department of Arts published updated guidelines for the hospitality and live entertainment sectors on 22 October. 

The new guidelines state that there are no restrictions on capacity for fully seated audiences. However, venues with standing audiences are limited to 1,500 people. Any capacity in excess of that have to be seated.

Patrons still have to wear masks unless eating, drinking or dancing. All patrons must have a valid EU Digital COVID Certificate.

Live music outdoors
There are no capacity limits on outdoor events. Masks are encouraged but not mandatory for patrons in congested areas, while and when queuing.

Nightclubs
Full capacity is permissible at nightclub venues, as is dancing without masks.

The Department have also stated that ‘Events must be ticketed to facilitate contact tracing’. However, this is currently under review. The Irish Times is reporting (26 October, 1pm) that the sector is seeking a two-week delay on enforcing new ticketing requirements for events in late bars and pubs. 

Update on 26 October at 6pm: The Department of Arts has issued a statement clarifying that ‘tickets must be purchased or acquired at least one hour before arrival and must contain details to allow for robust contract tracing.’

Measures outlined in the announcement are likely to last until next spring, but will be reviewed in three weeks. 

A summary of the guidelines is available here and the the full guidelines document is available to download here. For more, visit www.gov.ie.