Banning alcohol
Concerns house parties are contributing to a rise in Covid-19 cases has led to suggestions the government should look at banning the sale of alcohol in supermarkets.
It follows the delay of the reopening of pubs, and phase 4 of easing restrictions.
Pubs, due to reopen their doors on Monday, can't do so now until August 10th.
It's one of the new measures aimed at dealing with an increasing Covid-19 reproductive rate and a rise in young people getting the virus.
Pub owners are critical of the move saying the delay is a hammer blow to the sector.
Padraig Cribben from the Vintners Federation says pubs aren't the issue when it comes to the threat of spreading Covid-19:
“The real issue that we are seeing around the country is we are seeing house parties and we are actually seeing quite a growth in illegal shebeens growing around the country,” he said.
“Here is the question - if Government are really serious about tackling house parties, I think they have to look at whether they are going to allow alcohol to continue to be sold in supermarkets.
“I am asking that question because if the issue is around house parties and if the issue is around young people congregating, I am asking that question.
“If that is where the issue is emanating from, you have got to tackle where the issue is coming from.”
