A bar owner says plans being put forward by industry groups to reopen pubs sooner than August mean people would only be allowed to be in the pubs if they have a seat.
Under the roadmap put forward by the Government last week, pubs could only reopen in the fifth phase of easing coronavirus restrictions - a phase currently proposed for August.
However, vinters' groups have opposed the plans - saying it's unfair restaurants and cafés would be able to reopen earlier.
Representatives of the drinks industry have set out a series of “radical proposals” aimed at getting the country’s pubs open sooner than currently planned, and are due to meet the Government in the coming days or weeks to discuss the plan.
Pat Crotty, owner of Paris Texas Bar and Restaurant in Kilkenny, spoke to Newstalk Breakfast about the proposals being put forward.
He said: "It's not about trying to create risk - it's about trying to create a safe space.
"Tables have to be spaced far enough apart... you can only have table service... there would be no live music or DJs to get people too excited... there would be no standing at the bar or service at the bar.
"In effect, you can only be there if you have a seat."
One of the concerns that has been raised about the prospect of pubs reopening is whether social distancing could be maintained after people have had four or five drinks.
Mr Crotty said a pub is licenced to not only sell drink, but to also manage the sale of drink.
He suggested: "If people have enough, that's your job - that has always been the job. It has maybe been a light touch, but that can't be the case anymore.
"If you don't manage a drunk on your premises, your customers will because they'll leave."
Mr Crotty said the main condition for reopening would be safety for the customer and staff.
He observed: "The big figure that is frightening people is the 10 square metres for a table of four - that's a World Health Organisation guideline.
"People are saying 'we can't provide 10 square metres in a little pub' - but maybe you can, because you have natural little alcoves and small spaces which will provide their own safety, because you'll be the only person in it."
