THE GOVERNMENT is set to perform a swift U-turn on banning takeaway pints after fierce public backlash.
Over the weekend, dozens of revellers were pictured drinking together on the streets of Dublin and Cork, with no sign of social distancing in place.
As a result, Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced on Monday that the Government would consider a ban on takeaway drinks, describing the scenes over the weekend as "extremely concerning".
But news of the proposed ban was met with protest, with many accusing the Government of a 'knee-jerk' reaction off the back off a few social media posts.
Publicans around the country also stressed that crippling the pub industry even further would spell disaster for the hospitality sector.
Independent TD Micheal Healy-Rae insisted that it was only "a very small number of people" who broke the rules, and that the rest of country shouldn't be punished for their mistakes.
"This is Ireland, not Moscow," he said. "We can't bring in new legislation for every event that will happen at different locations throughout the country."
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly was expected to bring a memo to Cabinet today to propose an outright ban on the sale of alcohol from pubs for the remainder of lockdown, but it looks as if no such proposal will be heard.
Instead, a tightening of restrictions could be implemented.
One consideration is handing out fines of up to €80 to anyone found drinking in a group outdoors and therefore in breach of Level Five restrictions.
Dublin City Council bye-laws already allow €75 fines for outdoor drinkers away from approved areas, and the suggestion from within Government is that the rules simply need to be properly enforced.
Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen tweeted: "Encourage compliance and enforce existing restrictions/regulations if necessary but don't punish others who need lifelines like takeaway options to stay afloat."
