New proposals regarding the return of gigs are to be considered today by the Government – including potentially allowing gigs to go ahead as long as alcohol is not served on the premises.

Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht Catherine Martin and Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly are to meet with arts campaigners today,  to discuss what events and facilities could be reopened while abiding by Covid-19 guidelines.

According to The Irish Times, political sources have said that Catherine Martin will explore whether banning alcohol from events could allow the Government to increase the audience capacity beyond the current restrictions.

On August 20, the Government issued a statement about the numbers of people allowed to attend culture events, following consultation with Catherine Martin and Stephen Donnelly – announcing that businesses and services "such as museums, cinemas, theatres and art galleries are deemed to be controlled environments, with appropriate protective measures in place such as physical distancing between people."

"These venues can continue to operate where appropriate physical distancing and all other protective measures can continue to be maintained," the statement continues. "Individual groupings attending these venues must be limited to six people from no more than 3 households. Overall attendance must adhere to an overall limit of 50 people.

"All other indoor cultural events are subject to the 6 person maximum rule."