New pub rules won’t be enforced by HSA staff
REGULATORY bodies have washed their hands of inspecting pubs and restaurants to ensure their customers are complying with coronavirus guidelines.
The Health and Safety Authority, which has been charged by the State with ensuring the return to work safely protocols are being followed in workplaces, has said it will not be checking whether pubs are serving the required €9 meals or ensuring customers only stay the allowed 105 minutes.
A spokesman told the Irish Mail on Sunday: ‘Our role involves enforcing occupational health and safety legislation, and monitoring compliance with the Return to Work Safely Protocol. The example highlighted is primarily a public health requirement and not a matter for the health and safety authority.’
The MoS asked the HSE who will follow up on the guidelines from Monday until July 20. The HSE asked that we contact the Department of Health. They then asked that we contact the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport – which didn’t respond to MoS queries.
The MoS also requested comment from Fáilte Ireland, which issued the guidelines for pubs and restaurants opening tomorrow.
An Garda Síochána, which does not have the power to prohibit large groups not complying with social distancing regulations, said the issue was for the Department of Health.
‘The Department of Health are the lead department for any regulations issued in relation to the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020.’
Adrian Cummins, chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said: ‘The gardaí have huge powers if they feel there is a public health issue and they can close a premises down if it was packed.’
However, he said: ‘We feel like we’re not a high-risk category with regard to being negligent around the guidelines.’
Fianna Fáil Tourism, Trade and Sport spokesman Marc MacSharry said: ‘Ultimately we’re asking people to be responsible adults. There’s a lack of enforcement capability, so there will be self-enforcement on behalf of publicans.’