Proposal to fine people for drinking outdoors is withdrawn

The Cabinet has withdrawn a proposal to fine people who gather outside to drink alcohol.

The memorandum presented by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly had been instigated by the Department of the Taoiseach.

The proposal came to Cabinet in response to the crowds that gathered in the cities of Cork and Dublin last weekend.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin had believed that something had to be done to ensure that such scenes were not repeated.

However, the task was controversial from the start, as there was strong resistance to any move that would have shut down pubs selling take out drinks.

A proposal to fine people who gathered in public to drink alcohol was then drafted in the last light, following consultations with the Attorney General.

However, it was understood that some Fine Gael and Green Party ministers expressed some doubts at this morning’s cabinet meeting.

While the discussion was later described as constructive, the focus will remain on compliance with existing laws.

This is likely to involve consultation with the Garda Commissioner.

Martin has said that Covid-19 thrives where crowds gather and that has implications for the hospitality sector.

I was responding to a question on the Dáil of independent TD Sean Canney, who said pubs need to know in advance what to do if they are to reopen.

He said that publicans do not know what happens on a day-to-day basis.

Canney said the best way for people to have a social drink is through licensed venues there.

The Taoiseach said that scenes of large crowds gathering outside takeout facilities were problematic when it comes to maintaining confidence in the sacrifices people have made.

He said enforcement was important in existing laws and, he said, there would be more engagement with gardaí in relation to that.

He also said that the government will engage with publicans before making any decision.

Sinn Féin’s David Cullinane has said it was appropriate for the government to withdraw the proposals.

Speaking on RTÉ’s News at One, he said that the government “cannot make public policy on the basis of” one or two tweets “or incidents.

Mr Cullinane said the issue is something that must be addressed by local authorities and the Gardai under statutes, which allow for fines and other penalties.

He said it is a question of enforcement and of appealing to people to do the right thing, adding that “of course people should not congregate.”