The Garda Commissioner has instructed gardaí to use their discretion over drinking on tables outside pubs and restaurants.
It comes amid ongoing confusion over whether licenced premises are legally allowed to serve alcohol in many outdoor seating areas.
Publicans have been warning for weeks that by-laws in certain parts of the country technically prevent them from serving at outdoor tables.
That is despite the fact that the Government has been encouraging people to enjoy an outdoor summer and Fáilte Ireland has been offering grants for the installation of tables outside pubs and restaurants.
Earlier today, Commissioner Harris issued an instruction to regional Assistant Commissioners that Gardaí should use discretion in relation to licensed premises while also continuing to respond to any public complaints received on matters such as public order, parking, noise etc pic.twitter.com/6bV8KAxuFx
— Garda Info (@gardainfo) June 21, 2021
This afternoon, the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris instructed regional Assistant Commissioners that Gardaí should use discretion in relation to licensed premises.
He noted that members should continue to respond to “any public complaints received on matters such as public order, parking, noise etc.”
Commissioner Harris issued the instruction following talks with the Justice Minister Heather Humphreys.
This afternoon, she said she is confident outdoor drinking can continue.
“I am confident that it can continue,” she said.
“It has been taking place right across the country now for the past week or so. It has worked very successfully.”
On The Pat Kenny Show earlier, the Chief Executive of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) Padraig Cribben said emergency legislation is needed to "remove any ambiguity" around the licencing situation.
