“Forget about takeaway pints” – Taoiseach in clear message to publicans

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has told people to “forget about takeaway pints” at a press briefing to announce a new lockdown this evening.

Among the new restrictions announced are that schools will move to online learning until the end of January at least with the exception of Leaving Cert students who will attend classes three days per week. Schools for children with special needs will also remain open and creches will remain open for children of essential workers.

Shops have been asked to cease ‘click and collect’ services, with ‘click and delivery’ services allowed and the Taoiseach had a strong message for publicans who plan to sell takeaway alcohol over the coming weeks.

When asked about the topic at this evening’s press briefing, Micheál Martin dismissed the idea, saying: “Look, forget about takeaway pints or takeaway alcohol. No publican should be selling takeaway pints. This is a very serious situation we are in, it leads to congregation, it leads to gatherings of people which can spread the virus.”

Under the terms of Level 5 restrictions, bars, cafés and restaurants are only allowed to offer takeaway food and delivery services.

You can view today’s updated restrictions in full here and watch Micheál Martin address the subject of takeaway pints below…

“Forget about takeaway pints”

Taoiseach says government have a clear message in relation to the selling of takeaway alcoholic drinks. | Follow live updates: https://t.co/MO56HKlpOK pic.twitter.com/kjCyCsppYC

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) January 6, 2021

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