Gardai find 21 more 'potential breaches' of public health rules in pubs and restaurants

Gardai found 21 more "potential breaches" of public health rules in pubs and restaurants last week.

Although the vast majority of places continue to comply with the new regulations, a total of 185 breaches were found from thousands of searches since Operation Navigation was launched.

In all of these cases, alcohol was being consumed without any evidence of food, or receipts showing food had been sold.

Files are currently being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions for each of the violations last week.

Garda Deputy Commissioner John Twomey at Dublin Castle, Dublin (Gareth Chaney Collins)

Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said: "The continued high level of compliance among licensed premises is very welcome.

"It is very disappointing that some licensed premises are continuing to put their employees, their customers and their local community at risk of getting COVID-19.

"Customers of such licensed premises also have a responsibility to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 to protect their family, friends and neighbours.

"It is vital that we individually and collectively follow the public health advice and adhere to the public health regulations to reduce the number of people getting COVID-19.”