A Limerick pub that vowed to open today despite the Government pushback of phase four has closed back down.
Whelan's Bar in Newcastle West went public last week with plans to open today, regardless of the Government's decision.
Gearoid Whelan, the owner of the establishment, opened at 11am, with 25-30 customers availing of the service before he got a call from Gardai.
The publican was advised to shut down the premises as he was in breach of the new health act.
Mr Whelan told the Irish Mirror: "I've just been closed there, everything was going swimmingly with 25-30 people socially distant inside.
"I got a call at one o'clock and was advised to close as I was in breach of the health act.
"In the interests of my long term I have decided to take the advice.
"I'll take a couple of days to consider what I can do."
The publican, who has set up his pub to cater for social distancing, has been vocal about the "harsh" treatment the trade has gotten under these new guidelines.
He added: "We can socially distance and I showed that, I'm just asking for a chance to do it.
"We are 70 years in business here and you don't do that without being professional.
"I would be very surprised if they let pubs open on August 10 the way things are going.
"We are being very harshly treated; up until Wednesday every pub was gearing up to open on Monday and then on Wednesday evening we get the news.
"On behalf of all the hospitality sector we just want to be given a chance."
At the moment pubs are scheduled to get the green light on August 10, but Tanaiste Leo Varadkar hinted that could be pushed back again depending on how the virus is being controlled.
