Gardaí to crack down on rule-breaking shops
STORES breaking lockdown rules by selling non-essential goods will face a Garda crackdown after consumer associations slammed Dunnes Stores for openly selling clothes while restrictions are in place.
The retail chain has been heavily criticised for selling clothing in several of its branches in Dublin. However, according to Duncan Graham, of the lobby group Retail Excellence, Dunnes Stores has been guilty of selling nonessential items throughout the country.
‘Quite a few retailers who have had their doors shut are very angry that this is happening, not just in Dublin but around the country,’ he said. ‘We’re telling our members that we don’t condone their actions in any way. Our view is that businesses should be sticking to the Level 5 restrictions.
‘To find out the Dunnes Stores has been allowing people to browse and shop in nonessential areas is galling. We were getting complaints about them prior to this week, but they certainly seem to have escalated.’
Consumers’ Association of Ireland chief Dermott Jewell said the retail chain must face penalties. ‘As with so many Covid-related restrictions, this activity requires to be challenged,’ he said.
‘If we are to have effective control for the benefit of everyone then it requires us all to do everything... to abide by the measures.
Mr Jewell said: ‘Dunnes Stores should have been challenged and if not, why not? If they have been challenged, then why are they allowed to ignore Government restrictions?’
A Garda press office spokesman said businesses in breach of the Level 5 restrictions will face penalties under new legislation.
Attempts have been made to contact Dunnes Stores for comment.