Twenty potential breaches of public health guidelines were uncovered in pubs around the country last week.

Gardaí are continuing to inspect pubs around the country as part of Operation Navigation – and have uncovered 59 potential breaches since the operation began earlier this month.

The majority of the cases involve pubs selling alcohol with no evidence of food being served.

Gardaí said they ‘engage, educate and encourage’ where any potentially breaches are uncovered and only move to enforce the regulations as a “last resort.”

The cases are then referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a decision on how to proceed.

Speaking at Garda Headquarters Deputy Commissioner John Twomey said: “An Garda Síochána continue to carry out intensive visits of licensed premises which have opened for business in accordance with Covid-19 Public Health Regulations.

“An Garda Síochána continues to see high level of compliance. This is welcome. An Garda Síochána will continue to enforce the Public Health Guidelines, which have now been extended until the 10th
August 2020.”

Breaches of public health guidelines are not subject to criminal prosecution; however, failure to follow them can result in public order and licensing law prosecutions.