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Ireland’s police have searched an alleged illicit pub, or “shebeen,” on suspicion of violating coronavirus measures.
Property near Athy in County Kildare was attacked by Gardai agents on Friday night.
The force had launched an investigation after they became aware of the facilities and the fact that people were congregating in violation of social distancing rules, via social media.
Police found a room that had a pool table and a large television screen.
Gardai searched the suspected shebeen around 8pm and found a fully operational bar in a repurposed state.
Shebeen is an Irish term that refers to an illicit bar or club where alcoholic beverages are sold without a license.
The place was outfitted with a bar, stools, tables, chairs, a 70-inch flat-screen TV, and a large pool table.
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.
Officers seized five kegs of beer, a significant quantity of bottled spirits and beers, and various bar equipment, including taps, gas, and refrigerators.
A full investigation is currently underway and files will be prepared for the Director of the Public Ministry (DPP).
A container outside the premises was full of empty drink bottles.
The investigation in Ireland comes when a man in Manchester received a fixed £ 10,000 fine notice after officers closed a party with more than 50 people in attendance.
Officers were called to a report of a party at an apartment on Simpson Street in Angel Meadows shortly after 11:20 p.m. Friday night.
Officers found DJ mixers, industrial speakers and a buffet upon arrival.
A total of 52 fines have been imposed since Greater Manchester entered the Level 3 restrictions.
Greater Manchester Police Deputy Chief Mabs Hussain said: “This party was a blatant disregard of the rules and public health. It is totally unacceptable in the current crisis facing the whole world and it is not what we want. Let our officers do, spend their time doing.
“We had no choice but to issue the maximum penalty for violating the legislation on large gatherings and I hope this serves as a reminder for those considering breaking the rules: we will take action.”
It comes after police shut down last week a wedding attended by about 250 guests.
Officers were first called to the location on Old Kent Road at 8:20 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, after concerned residents suspected the address was being stolen.
Apparently, those attending the ceremony had closed the blinds in the front of the venue, in an attempt to mask the celebration.
The police dispersed the crowds at the scene.
Two people at the event were informed that they had been informed to consider a fixed penalty notice.
Detective Superintendent Nicky Arrowsmith said: “This event was a flagrant violation of regulations and could have been a breeding ground for transmission of the virus.
“There were over 200 people inside, with no social distancing and actually no attempts to make the place COVID safe, according to government guidelines.”
