Last orders Gardai raid suspected shebeen with 30 people inside drinking and not wearing masks

Gardai raided a suspected 'shebeen' which was found to have 30 people inside socialising without face masks and drinking "intoxicating liquor" as part of a crackdown on pubs breaching Covid-19 regulations.

Officers detected a number of breaches by licensed premises in the last 24 hours, including ‘wet’ pubs opening for “clandestine business” with fresh pints, the TV on and the fire lit.

While the vast majority of premises continue to be compliant, several were found to be in breach of regulations across the country, in counties Limerick, Cork, Carlow and Meath.

Other breaches include ‘gastro-pubs’ failing to comply with Covid-19 regulations and guidelines.

Some of these breaches include having no register in place, 12 tables occupied and no sign of food on any table, other tables with two to four people at each within two metres of each other, no evidence of substantial meals and no face masks being worn by staff.

Other breaches include a ‘shebeen’ premises, whereby a search was carried out in a suspected shebeen, where officers found 30 people socialising and they noted the "crowd wore no face coverings, no social distancing" and they were "consuming intoxicating liquor."

“In all cases where breaches of Public Health regulations have been identified An Garda Síochána will submit files to the Director of Public Prosecutions seeking advices as to how to proceed,” the force said.

“In addition to potential criminal breaches by licensed premises owners, An Garda Síochána wants to remind every person of their social and personal responsibility not to frequent premises or engage in activity which is likely to contribute to the increasing spread of the Covid-19 virus.”

They added: “The Covid-19 pandemic remains a public health crisis and a real threat to everyone, particularly the most vulnerable in our society, the virus is still spreading, and it is still leading to serious illness and death.

“An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to all citizens to comply with Public Health Guidelines and Regulations in order to continue to save lives.”

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Online Editors