An Garda Síochána and the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) have called on all pubs to ensure that they are following the reopening guidelines.
Ensuring "Public Order Is Maintained"
The LVA issued a statement saying, "Pubs that serve substantial meals have been able to reopen since Monday [June 29]. Effectively, this means that pubs who have reopened are operating as food businesses. Under the government's and Fáilte Ireland's guidelines for phase three, all pubs must serve a substantial meal to anyone who is consuming alcohol on their premises.
"This meal must be valued at €9 or more, and a separate meal must be provided to each individual who is drinking alcohol. Customers are restricted to a maximum stay of 105 minutes.
"Pubs who disregard the guidelines may receive an objection to their licence when it comes up for renewal.
"An Garda Síochána will be inspecting licensed premises to ensure public order is maintained."
"Do The Right Thing"
Meanwhile, An Garda Síochána Dublin Metropolitan Region Assistant Commissioner Anne Marie Cagney stated, "An Garda Síochána will continue to work with the trade in this unprecedented situation. We will seek to engage and encourage all businesses to follow the guidelines and to do the right thing. We will also be undertaking inspections to ensure pubs are respecting the guidelines. Our role is to maintain public order, and if there are indications that any such problems are arising, we will intervene."
"No One Should Be Cutting Any Corners"
LVA CEO Donall O'Keeffe added, "We expect most pubs will follow the guidelines to create a safe and comfortable environment for their customers and staff. Everyone in the country is aware of the severity of the public health situation arising out of the pandemic and no one should be cutting any corners. Severe enforcement action will be taken against those rogue operators who blatantly disregard the health of their staff and customers, up to potentially losing their licence. Any disregard for public health will be a key consideration when it comes to licence renewals, a process which the authorities are keenly aware all pubs will be subjected to this coming September."
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