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16th Nov 2020

Government to consider stopping sale of takeaway drinks

Rudi Kinsella

takeaway pints covid

A clampdown on pubs selling takeaway drinks could be introduced.

The Government is believed to be considering stopping the sale of takeaway drinks from pubs in Ireland.

As it stands, while Level 5 restrictions are in place, pubs are allowed to serve alcoholic drinks to customers for takeaway only, though it looks as though this will be subject to change.

According to RTÉ, Taoiseach Micheál Martin is due to discuss the matter with Justice Minister Helen McEntee on Monday.

The move comes after a number of videos were shared widely on social media of large crowds gathered on the streets outside pubs, most notably in Dublin city centre.

RTÉ has reported that a decision to end the sale of takeaway pints and other alcoholic drinks from pubs could be taken “swiftly”.

Pubs have been allowed to sell takeaway drinks under all levels of the Government’s Living with Covid-19 plan.

With Ireland now only weeks away from the end date of its Level 5 restrictions, the LVA is once again seeking clarity regarding which pubs will be allowed to reopen in December.

The Vintners’ Association recently pointed out that the then-acting CMO Ronan Glynn “gave commitment” that all pubs in Dublin would be allowed open together.

Earlier on Monday, a NPHET member warned of the need for a “very cautious approach to how alcohol is used” in the run-up to Christmas.

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