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Gardaí has begun to crack down on retailers that sell non-essential items.
Reports began circulating on social media over the weekend of officers entering the stores and requesting to speak to management.
Shoppers reported seeing staff talking to Gardaí, and then shortly after sections of the shelves for clothing and other items were cleared.
In some cases, staff from other stores who had not yet visited Gardaí were seen picking up non-essential items.
In accordance with Level Five restrictions, “Mixed retail supply retailers who have discrete spaces for essential and non-essential retailers must arrange for separation of relevant areas.”
Gardai tweeted today: “As part of our National Operation, An Garda Síochána is verifying the compliance of essential retailers.
“Level 5 retail services are subject to criminal regulations, can and are being enforced.”
They added: “A Garda Síochána continues to use 4Es, Involve, Explain, Encourage and Comply last.”
When asked later how many stores they had visited, a spokesman for the force said they “don’t have those figures available.”
A Tesco Ireland spokesperson confirmed that: “In accordance with level 5 government guidelines, our clothing sections are temporarily closed, except for certain essential items. [socks, underwear, and baby clothes]. “
On the Dunnes Stores home page, the following message appears: “Dunnes stores are open normally, so you can get fresh food and essentials.
“You can also pick up Click and Collect orders in the store as usual.”
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar broached the subject.
He said: “If you are a supermarket or a large store that has groceries or clothes, you should separate the clothes and not sell them,” he told RTE radio.
“Work clothes are fine, but clothes in general are not. If you are selling essential products, that is one thing, if you are trying to use essential products as a means of opening your store, that is not okay, that is not legal and we will take enforcement action. Think of all the small stores and outlets that have had to close.
“It would be unfair for those who are allowed to stay open to take advantage in some way and it will not be allowed.”
His comments come just days after smaller retailers asked the government to ensure that large retailers do not “abuse” their position and sell non-essential items, along with essential items like food and toiletries.
Retail Excellence has asked the government to ensure that retailers allowed to stay open during the current lockdown restrict their selling activities to essential items only.
Retail Excellence said its members have complained that some large retailers are “abusing” current restrictions by selling non-essential items while allowing them to stay open to sell essential items.
Essential retail outlets include outlets that sell products “necessary for the essential maintenance and operation of places of residence and businesses”, pharmacies and pharmacies.
The list also includes outlets that sell health, medical or orthopedic items, gas stations, and outlets for essential items for animal health and welfare and safety supplies.
Laundries, dry cleaners, banks, post offices, credit unions, hardware stores, builders, merchants, garages, and bike shops are also considered essential.
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