Gardaí seizes kegs of beer, spirits and bar equipment after ‘suspect Shebeen’ search in Kildare

GARDAÍ IN KILDARE has seized a significant amount of alcohol and bar equipment during a search of a premises suspected of violating Covid-19 regulations.

As part of Operation Navigation, Gardaí yesterday started an operation in Athy and realized “through social networks” that a local was operating against the Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Regulation and that the public was gathering there in contravention of the Health Act of 1947.

Gardaí conducted a search at 8 pm under warrant at the premises of the “alleged Shebeen” and found a fully operational bar in a repurposed state.

Gardaí searched a suspected Shebeen premises in Kildare last night.

A fully functioning bar was located. Seized bar equipment. Ongoing investigation.

We continue to call on all citizens to comply with the Public Health Guidelines and Regulations to save lives. #In thisTogether pic.twitter.com/3iTUKyu1i5

– Garda Information (@gardainfo) October 24, 2020

The venue was outfitted with a bar, stools, tables, chairs, a 70-inch flat-screen TV and a full-size pool table, Gardaí said.

There were several beer taps on the bar, along with an under-bar cooler and kegs. There was also a smoking area, storage room and toilet on the premises.

During the course of this search, Gardaí seized five kegs of beer, a significant quantity of bottled spirits and beers, and various bar equipment, including taps, gas and refrigerators, Gardaí said in a statement.

“A full investigation is underway on this matter and files will be prepared for the Director of the Public Ministry,” the statement continued.

“A Garda Síochána would appeal to anyone with information about Shebeen’s illegal operation to contact their local Garda station.

“The Covid-19 pandemic continues to be a public health crisis and An Garda Síochána continues to call on all citizens to comply with public health guidelines and regulations in order to continue saving lives.”