Reopening and risks

Sir, – While nightclubs and other venues get ready to open up once again, the confusion reigning over whether people stand, sit or queue will be very difficult to police. The reality is that hundreds of people crowded on a floor who have imbibed alcohol will feel less inhibited to socially distance, wear a mask or even queue at the bar. To ask members of staff, management or outside agencies to police it is asking for trouble. Intoxicated people don’t take well to being directed.

One has only to see the public-order issues that arise when bars and nightclubs disgorge their patrons onto the streets in our town and cities to understand the difficulties policing such events can bring. While our younger generation break out from the restrictive chains of Covid, there are many others of senior age or who are immune system compromised who will remain cautiously apprehensive given the spike in the numbers still contracting this virus. – Yours, etc,

CHRISTY GALLIGAN,

Letterkenny,

READ SOME MORE

Co Donegal.

Sir, – Surely in the present Covid circumstances, if the airlines are serious about Covid safety, it makes sense for them to facilitate families sitting together rather than punitively insisting on an extra charge which actively discourages safer behaviour. – Yours, etc,

MARK O’HANLON,

Greystones,

Co Wicklow.