“AGSI would like to ask the Government if they believe the regulations and legislation that they introduced, for example, relating to a €9 substantial meal in a pub is actually working?”
The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) has expressed concern about the practical implications and enforcement of proposed legislation regarding pubs that are not adhering to Covid-19 public health guidelines.
AGSI General Secretary Antoinette Cunningham expressed particular concern about the enforcement of rules around the requirement of pubs to serve, and the requirement of patrons to order, a substantial meal worth at least €9.
Speaking to Justine McCarthy on This Week on RTÉ Radio One on Sunday, Cunningham said: “Enforcing poorly drafted legislation causes issues for our members and creates an unrealistic expectation amongst them that simply don’t exist.
“Previously there were strict rules and regulations around pubs carrying a special restaurant licence or certificate. Now it appears pubs or restaurants are simply required to provide a €9 substantial meal.”
“Winter is coming and it will drive people from outdoor dining and seating arrangements to indoors,” Cunningham added.
“Is that going to create a problem with social distancing? Are we policing the two-metre rule? Do we have to ask citizens to show us receipts for €9 meals? Are we policing the use of hand sanitisation? Where do the other regulatory authorities come into play in terms of enforcement, what role is there for health or health and safety authorities?
“AGSI would like to ask the Government if they believe the regulations and legislation that they introduced, for example, relating to a €9 substantial meal in a pub is actually working from an enforcement points of view, and if not, do they think it’s time that they reviewed their own legislation?”
On Friday, the government signed off on legislation that will give Gardaí power to shut pubs not adhering to public health guidelines, with penalties for offending pubs and publicans ranging from the closing of a pub for a day, a fine of €2,500, closure of the pub for 30 days to a six-month prison sentence.
Cunningham also said that enforcement of any rules in relation to house parties would be “fraught with difficulty” and that entering someone’s private home can only be done “under the strictest of conditions”.
“Entering a person’s private home can only be done under the strictest of conditions and usually under warrant and in accordance with law,” Cunningham said.
“Any new laws being proposed around the entry into the private dwelling of a citizen would be, in our view, fraught with difficulty and we are glad the Government seems to be taking the time to consider all the complexities it would bring.”
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