Gardai have been carrying out visits to Irish pubs as part of routine liquor licencing inspections.
It comes as a number of pubs were visited by members of An Garda Síochána on New Year’s Eve.
Irish bars are subject to visits by the Gardaí under Liquor Licensing legislation.
Two pubs in Kildare were visited by members of the force on December 31, 2021, as part of a routine check, Kildare Now reports.
A spokesperson for the Gardaí told the Irish Mirror : “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.”
In relation to the visits in Kildare, Gardaí would not confirm whether there were any breaches of the latest Covid-19 guidance in which pubs and other hospitality establishments have to close by 8pm.
The Garda spokesperson also said that they are not “compliance officers” when it comes to measures implemented by the Government to curb the spread of Covid-19.
They said: “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.”
However, they can provide support when requested.
“An Garda Síochána will continue to support and assist ‘compliance officers’ if or when requested,” the spokesperson said.
“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.
“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.
“An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to all citizens to comply with Public Health Guidelines and Regulations in order to continue to save lives."
