'We continue to find premises in breach of regulations.'
In the past 24 hours, Gardaí across the country have discovered a number of breaches of Covid-19 regulations by licensed premises, including discoveries in counties Limerick, Cork, Carlow and Meath.
In one of those cases in Meath, a search was implemented following suspicion of a shebeen (a bar where alcohol is being sold without a licence) in Navan. Gardaí discovered 30 people socialising and drinking at this location, with no face coverings being worn and no social distancing being observed.
According to
RTE, Gardaí have also discovered wet pubs "opening for clandestine business" where pints were being served.
Elsewhere, Gardaí have also found several gastro-pubs breaching COVID regulations, including no contact-tracing register in place, 12 tables occupied in one establishment and no sign of food on any table, and no face masks being worn by staff.
A spokesperson for the Gardaí had the following to say about the discoveries:
"The vast majority of premises continue to be compliant, but An Garda Síochána continues to find premises in breach of regulations."
"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 advice as to how to proceed."
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