Gardaí have said that they will use their discretion on pop-up outdoor areas for pubs and restaurants this summer.
It emerged yesterday that many temporary drinking areas are illegal as they are not covered by current alcohol licences.
Bar owners who extended outdoor seating onto town streets this month have been left seeking answers.
However, this morning, Minister for Justice Heather Humphreys has said gardaí will use their discretion to deal with pubs and restaurants serving alcohol to customers availing of on-street seating.
Minister Humphreys said gardaí are “working to ensure we can enjoy an outdoor summer and that the vast majority of licensed premises are acting responsibly.”
Over the weekend, some pubs in Galway were informed by gardaí that they were in breach of the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 2) Regulations 2021, as amended.
The legislation allows pubs to only sell alcohol within a specific area which was designated when they obtained their license in the District Court. Any consumption of alcohol outside these areas should be on a takeaway basis only.
Indoor drinking and dining will not reopen until July 5th under the Government’s reopening plan.
