The Taoiseach has issued a stark warning for publicans to "forget about take-away pints".
Micheal Martin said the selling of booze on Irish streets leads to large gatherings of people and therefore helps the spread of Covid-19.
He was speaking at a press briefing after announcing a raft of new restrictions for the country.
When asked about whether or not pubs can still sell booze through a window, he said: "First of all, forget about take-away pints and take-away alcohol.
"No publican should be selling take-away pints. This is a very serious situation we are in. It leads to congregation, it leads to gatherings of people, which can spread the disease and the virus.
"That's a very, very clear message from me and from Government in relation to that."
However, it remains unknown if the Taoiseach has the power to ban the sale of take-away booze without changing any laws.
But the Licensed Vintners Federation agreed with the Taoiseach, tweeting: "In the current circumstances, no pub should be selling take-away pints for consumption on the streets."
Meanwhile, he announced that all schools would remain closed until at least the end of January to halt the spread of the virus.
He said that exceptions would be made for special education, and that Leaving Cert students would be allowed to attend classes for three days a week.
The construction industry will stop from the end of business on Friday, with special exceptions being made for what are deemed as "essential works".
Click and collect services will also be banned, with retailers now only allowed to operate delivery services.
But it is feared that up to 500,000 people could be unemployed as a result of the latest measures.
Childcare services will remain open for vulnerable children and the kids of essential workers.
The Government will also allow the formation of "childcare bubbles" for kids of essential workers.
Meanwhile, passengers arriving from the UK or South Africa will need a negative test 72 hours prior to entering the country, but must still isolate for 14 days.
