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20th Mar 2020

Gardaí warn pubs of need to remain closed amid reports some remain open to customers

Conor Heneghan

pubs open Ireland

The government requested that all licensed premises close voluntarily on 15 March.

Licensed premises that fail to comply with the request of the government to voluntarily close as of 15 March will be considered during licensing applications to the District Court in 2020, An Gardaí Síochána has warned.

The warning comes amid reports that a small number of licensed premises have remained open to customers since the request was issued by the government on Sunday evening (15 March).

An Garda Síochána has carried out inspections of licensed premises in recent days and will continue to do so while the government request remains in place.

If a premises is observed open, Gardaí will remind businesses of their social responsibility to implement the guidelines issued by the government and HSE in order to minimise the impact of Covid-19 across the country.

An Garda Síochána currently has no legislative basis on which to enforce business closures in breach of the government recommendations for licensed premises.

Gardaí will not confirm locations of licensed premises that have been inspected but said that any licensed premises’ non-compliance with the government request will be considered during Annual Licensing applications to the District Court in 2020.

An Garda Síochána reminds all businesses and individuals that the Government and HSE has recommended that:

  • Indoor mass gatherings of 100 people or more and outdoor mass gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled
  • People should reduce their social interactions
  • Keep a distance of 2m between you and other people
  • Do not shake hands or make close contact where possible

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