An Garda Síochána have confirmed that they have issued their first closure order on a pub for non-compliance with Covid-19 regulations.
A spokesperson has said this afternoon that "An Garda Síochána carried out thousands of inspections of licensed premises from Friday, December 18 to Sunday, December 20 inclusive. The vast majority of premises continue to be compliant but An Garda Síochána continues to find premises in breach of regulations."
The spokesperson added that "this weekend, An Garda Síochána in the north west issued the first 'immediate closure order' under Section 4 Criminal Justice (Enforcement Powers) (Covid-19) Act 2020 to a licensed premises.
"Despite repeated engagement, by local Gardaí with the licensee, Gardaí continued to observe breaches of Covid-19 regulations including persistent non-compliance with requirement to serve substantial meal, in addition to non-adherence to public health guidelines, resulting in the local Superintendent issuing an immediate closure order on the premises for the remainder of that date. A further file will be prepared for consideration by the Director of Public Prosecutions."
Currently Level 3 hospitality measures are scheduled to remain in place until January 6, however it
now seems likely that this date will be brought forward due to rising Covid-19 case numbers.
(header pic: Shutterstock)
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