There are mixed views among Clare restauranteurs on new rules that require them to keep a record of what customers have ordered for 28 days.
Some restaurant groups say they weren’t consulted about the changes – and other pub representatives say it’s “bureaucracy gone mad”.
However, the scheme does have at least one fan.
These new government guidelines were issued yesterday by Fáilte Ireland, and mean that pubs and restaurants now must keep the details of who ate what to be kept for 28 days.
It’s on top of other guidelines, including that a maximum of six people from three separate households at a table.
Managing Director of Treacy’s West County Hotel in Ennis, Patrick Treacy, says it will be an administrative headache for bars and restaurants.
The new regulations are causing controversy in political circles – Fianna Fail backbencher Mark MacSharry today doubled down on his view that what’s being asked of businesses is ‘Stasi-esque’.
Minister Simon Harris earlier claimed the rule had been interpreted wrong and it was just a copy of a receipt that was to be kept – though this is being disputed.
Both the Restaurants Association of Ireland and the Licensed Vintners Association have now written to the Data Protection Commissioner seeking a view on the new requirements.
Elizabeth Farris from the Irish Council for Civil Liberties says the level of detail required amounts to policing surveillance.
Despite the criticism, some restauranteurs are more relaxed about the new rules.
Dermot Fetton from Henry’s Bistro and Wine Bar in Ennis though says the new guidelines will “not make much difference” to his business operations.
