Gardai are unable to prosecute a Dublin pub that has vowed to continue selling takeaway pints.
Earlier this week, Kavanagh's on New Street at Clanbrassil Street Lower said that they'll be selling takeaway pints because they need to in order to keep their business going.
There is currently no legislation in place that prevents the sale of takeaway pints, despite the Taoiseach's warning to pubs to "forget about" the sale of the drinks.
Gardai have now said they are powerless to stop the sales of this nature because it is not an offence.
In a statement issued to Independent.ie, Gardai said: "The sale of take away alcohol from licensed premises is not currently a penal regulation and therefore not an offence.”
Kavanagh's slammed the government following the announcement that Level Five would continue until at least April 5.
"We have always been compliant with and very mindful of public health advice but after almost a full year of little or no trade, it’s very evident that we’re not 'all in this together'. We will no longer be going along with the Taoiseach’s orders, asking us not to sell takeaway pints," they said.
The statement adds: "We are open Thursday-Saturday 12:30-8pm and Sunday’s from 12:30-6pm. Our delicious hot counter home-cooked meals will be available for only €10 each. We will also be selling pints of Heineken and Coors for takeaway."
It's expected that pubs will not be able to open their doors until at least "mid-summer" in a major blow to the hospitality sector which is at its knees.
The only good news to have come from the announcement is that punters will no longer have to buy a €9 "substantial" meal to be served.
In its statement yesterday, Kavanagh's said: "As our incompetent leaky leaders in Leinster House top-up their already exorbitant salaries, businesses like ours are going to the wall.
