The establishments will close with immediate effect.
Temple Bar, an area central to Dublin’s hospitality and tourism industry, will see all of its pubs and nightclubs shut in an attempt to stop the spread of coronavirus.
The area follows a significant backlash after videos emerged of bars in Temple Bar violating social distancing rules and mass gathering advice laid out by the government.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Temple Bar Company, which represents establishments in the area said: “In the interest of public health and following advice from An Garda Síochana and the health authorities The Temple Bar Company and its members have today decided that all pubs and nightclubs in Temple Bar will close their premises voluntarily and with immediate effect.”
The closure will remain in place until further advice is received by the “relevant authorities.”
The statement also says that the company will “intensify its disinfecting and power-washing of the streets and public spaces in the Temple Bar area.”
Temple Bar Company Statement #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/jEF4hk0ii7
— Temple Bar Company (@TempleBarCo) March 15, 2020
Footage that circulated from venues in Temple Bar last night was called “an insult” to the efforts of healthcare staff by Minister Simon Harris.
The Temple Bar pub itself issued a brief statement which read: “We have decided to close the The Temple Bar Pub from immediate effect.
“In the interest of the safety of our staff and patrons we believe it is the best interest to close our doors until further notice.”
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