A group representing pub owners says the "foolish" actions of some vintners are affecting the livelihoods of others.
26 pubs may be brought to court for breaching Covid 19 regulations, after gardaí carried out nearly 7,000 checks, as part of Operation Navigation.
Gardaí conducted 6,830 checks on almost 3,000 pubs from last Friday to midnight Sunday.
The vast majority were complying.
But in some, Gardaí found customers drinking, but no evidence of food being bought.
The penalty is a maximum fine of €2,500 and or up to six months in prison.
Officers also found large groups at one table, with no social distancing, signage, or contact tracing recorded.
Gardai walking around the streets in Dublin City Centre to make sure pubs are not breaking the guidelines on social distancing, serving food or time limits etc
Yet this is allowed on Dame Lane..... pic.twitter.com/4inEgsY2Rm— Barry Whyte (@BarryWhyte85) July 4, 2020
Vintners Federation Slams "Foolish" Behaviour
Vintners Federation of Ireland Chief Executive Padraig Cribben says the actions of some are affecting the trade of others:
"The business of other outlets is being compromised by the foolish actions of a small few"
26 may be prosecuted, and files are being sent to the DPP.
Padraig Cribben wants the pubs brought to justice:
"26 pubs is 26 too many."
"All this week we've been saying that the Gardaí should ensure that those who are in breach should be brought to justice."
Liz Canavan, Assistant Secretary General at the Department of the Taoiseach says people should avoid businesses not doing the right thing:
"The best thing we can do is, as the public, is to support those businesses who are trying to do the right thing."
"To avoid those who are not."
"That's the safest for you, your friends, your family."
"It's also best for businesses."
"Support compliance and those businesses who want to stay open, want to keep employing their staff and who want to save their businesses."
Gardaí are warning pubs they'll object to their licence renewal unless they comply.
