Gardaí Say No Pubs Were Shut Down Over Pandemic Breaches

Gardaí have revealed that no pubs were closed down under emergency powers granted during the lockdown.

The Criminal Justice (Enforcement Powers)(Covid-19) Act 2020 gave gardaí the power to close any premises that were found to be in breach of regulations during the pandemic.

A report on the act has now revealed that no pubs were forced to close and no publicans were prosecuted.

The act gave gardaí the power to issue three types of closure orders. An immediate closure would see a premises close for the rest of that day. An emergency closure could be for a longer period of time. Temporary closures would have lasted for seven days for a first offence or up to 30 days for any subsequent breaches.

Gardaí have said that while they didn't need to take such actions, the legislation acted as a "significant deterrent" against those premises that might have flaunted the rules.

The act will officially remain in place until March 31st, when it lapses. The Department of Justice has said that with hospitality restrictions now lifted, there is no need for gardaí to enforce the act from this point.