A plush Dublin village is set to be hit by a major crackdown on outdoor drinking after big crowds gathered with little sign of social distancing last weekend.
Locals and businesses in the area had raised concern after groups were seen gathered in Blackrock last Friday and Saturday.
It is understood they were drinking takeaway pints from local pubs, Dublin Live reports.
In an ironic twist, many of the drinkers gathered at on-street furniture installed by the council as part of its COVID-19 response, with some on social media dubbing the village the "new Temple Bar".
Signs forbidding outdoor drinking will now be erected in the village by DLR council, who said it will work with local gardai to ensure bylaws against drinking on the streets are enforced.
"The public seating provided during the pandemic has brought many positive benefits and is extensively used by young and old," a council spokesperson told the Irish Times.
"We would hope that this infrastructure would be respected by all citizens and will be a valuable addition to town and village centres for years to come."
Under current Level 5 restrictions, pubs are permitted to sell takeaway pints but organised outdoor gatherings are not permitted and there is no indication that any pubs were in breach of these rules or that any of the gatherings were organised.
A garda spokesman said they would be working closely with local agencies to clamp down on outdoor drinking in the area.
He said: "Gardaí are aware of reports of a number of people drinking in public in Blackrock recently and are liaising closely with the local council, agencies and businesses in relation to this matter.
"An Garda Síochána has and will use appropriate legislation where necessary.
"The Covid-19 pandemic remains a public health crisis and An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to all citizens to comply with Public Health Guidelines and Regulations in order to continue to save lives."
