More than 30 pubs were inspected by gardaí in west Cork last night to ensure they were complying with the Government's request to remain closed during the Covid-19 outbreak.
One of the pubs was found to be open with a number of customers present. Gardaí are understood to have warned the publican that non-compliance with the Government request would be considered in advance of the annual licensing court later this year, and that they may object to the publican's licence renewal application.
All of the other premises were closed. Gardaí do not currently have a legislative basis to enforce pub closures but, under the Intoxicating Liquor Act, one of the conditions for holding a pub licence is that the holder is a responsible person.