Gardaí says 15 other pubs are in possible breach of Covid-19 restrictions

MORE 15 pubs have been found to have potentially violated Covid-19 restrictions in the last week, bringing the total so far to 232.

Between 7 p.m. Friday night and midnight Sunday, Gardaí conducted thousands of checks at authorized facilities across the country as part of Operation Navigation.

At the same time, Operation Fanacht was also carried out as part of the new restrictions that came into effect for Dublin, which encourage people in the capital not to leave the county except for essential reasons.

More than 500 checkpoints were conducted in Dublin and the surrounding counties under Operation Fanacht last weekend.

Gardaí said that to date, the vast majority of licensed facilities operating have been found to comply with regulations and licensing laws.

Pubs that are allowed to reopen must do so following a number of guidelines.

In Dublin’s case, so-called wet pubs cannot open and customers must have a hearty meal of at least € 9. And, while the county is subject to Level 3 restrictions, all meals must take place outdoors with a maximum of 15 people on the premises.

For the rest of the country, wet pubs are now allowed to reopen, eliminating the requirement for a substantial meal in these venues.

Deputy Commissioner for Surveillance and Security John Twomey said: “There continues to be a very high level of compliance among licensed establishments. This is welcome. However, some licensed facilities are putting the health of their employees, customers and local communities at risk.

“We are at a critical point in addressing the spread of Covid-19 and everyone must take personal responsibility for avoiding situations that are a risk to themselves, their family and their friends.”