Gardaí seizes kegs of beer, spirits and bar equipment after search for “suspected Shebeen” in Kildare

GARDAÍ IN KILDARE seized a significant amount of alcohol and bar equipment during a search of a premises suspected of being in violation of the Covid-19 regulations.

As part of Operation Navigation, Gardaí launched an operation yesterday in Athy and learned “via social media” that a local was operating in violation of the liquor licensing regulations and that members of the public were there. gathered in violation of the 1947 Health Act.

Gardaí carried out a search at 8 pm under warrant of the premises “suspected of Shebeen” and found a fully operational bar in a refurbished state.

Gardaí raided a suspected Shebeen premises in Kildare last night.

A fully operational bar has been located. Bar equipment seized. Investigation in progress.

We continue to call on all citizens to comply with public health guidelines and regulations to save lives. #InThisTogether pic.twitter.com/3iTUKyu1i5

– Guard Info (@gardainfo) October 24, 2020

The premises were equipped with a bar, stools, tables, chairs, a 70-inch flat-screen TV and a full-size pool table, Gardaí said.

There were several beer taps on the bar, as well as a cooler and kegs under the bar. There was also a smoking area, storage room and toilet on site.

During that search, Gardaí seized five barrels of beer, a significant amount of spirits and bottled beers, as well as various bar equipment, including taps, gas and coolers, Gardaí said in a statement.

“A full investigation is currently underway into this case and files will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions,” the statement continued.

“An Garda Síochána would ask anyone with information about the operation of illegal Shebeens to contact their local guard station.

“The Covid-19 pandemic remains a public health crisis and An Garda Síochána continues to call on all citizens to comply with public health directives and regulations in order to continue saving lives. “