AN Garda Síochána have
conducted 6,830 visits to pubs throughout the
country, from Friday July 3 to Sunday July 5, to
check for adherence to public health guidelines.
The vast majority of licensed premises operating,
2,759, were found to be in compliance with
regulations and licensing laws. But in the case of
26 public houses, gardaí found potential breaches of
the health regulations or licensing laws even after
providing the premises with the opportunity to
rectify the situation.
In many of these cases, gardaí found customers
consuming alcohol, but no evidence of food also
being consumed and no evidence of receipts to show
that food had been sold.
Gardaí also observed a lack of adherence to public
health advice such as allowing large groups at the
one table, little to no social distancing, no
advisory signage and no Covid-19 contact tracing
being recorded.
Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John
Twomey said, "The significant number of visits
conducted by gardaí found a large level of
compliance among licensed premises. This is very
welcome.
However, we remain concerned that a minority are
potentially operating in breach of the regulations.
In doing so, they are putting the health of their
customers and staff and everyone they come into
contact with after at risk of getting Covid-19.
We are sending a clear message to such premises that
we will be opposing their liquor license renewal
applications in September unless they come into
compliance.” |