Gardai raids three suspected shebeens and seizes alcoholic beverages, kegs, taps and bar items

Gardai has raided three suspected ‘shebeens’ – illegal bars – in the Midlands and seized alcoholic beverages, kegs and other bar items.

The searches, carried out under court order after receiving information from members of the public, were carried out in Laois, Meath and Westmeath on Friday 9 October.

During the operations, “substantial amounts” of alcohol were seized, along with “beer taps, coolers, kegs, dispensers for liquor and other bar items,” Gardai said.

Those present at the time were identified by Gardai and no arrests were made.

Gardai said the raids were carried out as part of Operation Navigation, investigating alleged violations of liquor licensing legislation in support of current public health measures related to Covid-19.

Gardai added that the probes were launched “following a series of reports from the public.”

Investigations are ongoing and files will now be prepared for the Director of the Public Ministry.

Deputy Commissioner for Surveillance and Security John Twomey said: “The vast majority of licensed establishments comply with public health guidelines and regulations.

“The operation of any premises without a license puts people and communities at risk.

“This is not acceptable and under Operation An Garda Navigation Síochána will continue to take appropriate action.

“I would also like to thank members of the public who brought some of these issues to our attention.”

Gardai added in a statement: “The COVID-19 pandemic remains a public health crisis and An Garda Síochána continues to call on all citizens to comply with the Public Health Guidelines and Regulations to continue saving lives.

“A Garda Síochána would appeal to anyone with information about the operation of illegal shebeens to contact the local Garda station.”