A new law comes into force to give gardaí the power to close pubs and restaurants that are found to be in breach of Covid-19 public health regulations.
President Micheal D Higgins signed the Criminal Justice (Enforcement Powers) (Covid-19) Bill 2020 yesterday.
The legislation gives additional enforcement measures to gardaí to clamp down on licensed premises that do not comply with the public health guidelines. Gardaí can inspect premises and close them down temporarily where there is a refusal to comply.
The legislation has a ‘sunset clause’ where it will expire on 9th November and can only be renewed with Dáil approval.
In the past week, gardaí found 13 potential breach incidents in pubs across the country. There has been a total of 198 cases of suspected non-compliance since July.
Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said, “There continues to be a very high level of compliance among licensed premises. This is welcome. However, some licensed premises are risking the health of their employees, customers and local communities.
“Customers of such premises should also consider the risks to themselves, and their family and friends from ignoring public health advice and regulations.”
