Closed Dublin pub attacks ‘uncontrolled street drinking sessions’

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A pub that has been closed for the past eight months sold out after large crowds left its premises in a “disgraceful state” on Saturday night.

Grogans shared a video on social media of large groups of people on South William Street in the capital.

The pub owners criticized the current restrictions, writing: “Yesterday they closed 8 months. Considered unsafe to operate by NPHET and [Government]. Is this safer?

They added: “Our facility is in a sorry state this morning with tons of garbage and people using it as a bathroom.

“We are furious this morning.”

Gardaí said today that they responded to reports of a large concentration of people on the street last night, but said they did not detect any violation of the regulation.

A spokesperson said: “Gardaí attended the scene and asked all the people to disperse.

“Gardaí maintained a presence in the area. No violations of the regulations were detected.

“Several patrols were carried out in the area during the course of the night.”

The spokesperson added that “An Garda Síochána continues to call on all citizens to comply with the Public Health Guidelines and Regulations, in particular essential travel, to continue saving lives.”

Daniel Smith, a bartender at Grogans Castle Lounge, says it would be safer for customers if the pubs were open.

“The street in general had been cleaned, I think by the Council, when we entered.

“It was right behind our barriers that we have for our outdoor seating area. We filled two garbage bags and there were signs of urination on the side of the pub.

We believe that pubs and restaurants should be allowed to open and feel that they are safe environments as opposed to these uncontrolled drinking sessions on the street.

Mr. Smith said they hope to open up to something at Christmas.

“There is not a bartender or restaurateur in the country who has the illusion that this Christmas will be a Christmas like the one we have had before.

“Nobody wants to fill their pubs and put the health and safety of their customers and staff at risk.

“People just want the opportunity to trade, the opportunity to welcome their staff and their customers through their doors.”



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