A Dublin pub that vows to begin selling takeaway pints again in order to keep its business alive cannot be stopped by gardai, it has emerged.
There is currently no legislation in place that prevents the sale of takeaway pints, despite the Taoiseach's warning to pubs to "forget about" the sale of the drinks.
Kavanagh's on New Street at Clanbrassil Street Lower yesterday slammed the government in a scathing rant following the announcement that Level Five would continue until at least April 5.
It's expected that pubs will not be able to open their doors until at least "mid-summer" in a major blow to the hospitality sector which is at its knees. The only good news to have come from the announcement is that punters will no longer have to buy a €9 "substantial" meal to be served.
And gardai have admitted they are powerless to stop the sale of takeaway pints - because it is not an offence.
In a statement issued to Independent.ie, they said: "The sale of take away alcohol from licensed premises is not currently a penal regulation and therefore not an offence.”
In its statement yesterday, Kavanagh's said: "As our incompetent leaky leaders in Leinster House top up their already exorbitant salaries, businesses like ours are going to the wall.
"We have always been compliant with and very mindful of public health advice but after almost a full year of little or no trade, it’s very evident that we’re not 'all in this together'.
"We will no longer be going along with the Taoiseach’s orders, asking us not to sell takeaway pints."
They continued: "We are open Thursday-Saturday 12:30-8pm and Sunday’s from 12:30-6pm.
"Our delicious hot counter home cooked meals will be available for only €10 each.
"We will also be selling pints of Heineken and Coors for takeaway."
