Gardai call to two pubs in one county on New Year's Eve amid strict Covid rules

Gardai called to two pubs in Co Kildare on New Year's Eve amid strict Covid rules over closing times.

Officers in county Kildare attended two licensed premises under the Liquor Licensing legislation on December 31st, a garda spokesperson has confirmed.

The location or names of the two premises were unable to be confirmed by gardai at this time, and it is unclear if gardai found any breaches of Covid restrictions at the time of their visit.

During previous lockdowns and restrictions, gardai visited pubs under Operation Navigation to ensure they abided by new operating restrictions.

When asked if any licensed premises were found to be breaking current guidelines on New Year’s Eve, a garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí in Kildare attended two licensed premises under Liquor Licensing legislation on 31st December 2021.

Gardai were on hand to help manage traffic as people queued for food vouchers at the Capuchin Day Centre, Bow Street, in Dublin City centre. (stock image) (COLLINS PHOTO AGENCY)

“Members of An Garda Síochána are not ‘compliance officers’’ in respect of the Health Act 1947 (Sections 31AB and 31AD) (COVID-19) (Operation of Certain Indoor Premises) Regulations 2021.

“An Garda Síochána will continue to support and assist ‘compliance officers’ if or when requested.”

They continued: “An Garda Síochána, has been consistent from the start of the response to the Covd-19 pandemic, and will continue to adopt, a graduated policing response based on its tradition of policing by consent. An Garda Síochána’s response has been fair and proportionate. In respect of regulations which are declared to be Penal Regulations under the Health Act 1947 as amended, An Garda Síochána adopts the approach of the four Es which sees Gardaí engage, explain, encourage, and as a last resort, enforce.

“In respect of licensed premises, under liquor licensing laws, a licensed premises requires a declaration of suitability from a member of An Garda Síochána in order for its liquor license to be renewed.

“An Garda Síochána continue to monitor the activities of Licensed Premises in accordance with the current Liquor Licensing regulations, to provide ongoing support to the Government response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the re-opening of business and society through our normal daily policing functions where required.”