Closed Dublin pub hits out at 'uncontrolled drinking sessions on the street'

Grogans pub on South William Street, Dublin. File picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

A pub that has been closed for the last eight months has hit out after large crowds left their premises in a “disgraceful state” on Saturday night.

Grogans shared a video on social media of large groups of people on South William Street in the capital.

The pub owners criticised the current restrictions, writing: “8 months closed yesterday. Deemed unsafe to operate by NPHET and [Government]. Is this safer?” 

They added: “Our premises is in a disgraceful state this morning with tons of rubbish and people using it as a toilet.

“We are furious this morning.” 

Gardaí said today that they responded to reports of a large gathering of people on the street last night but said they did not detect any breaches of regulation.

A spokesperson said: “Gardaí attended the scene and requested all persons to disperse.

“Gardaí maintained a presence in the area. No breaches of regulations were detected.

“A number of patrols were conducted in the area over the course of the evening.” 

The spokesperson added that “An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to all citizens to comply with Public Health Guidelines and Regulations, in particular essential journeys, in order to continue to save lives.”

Daniel Smith, barman at Grogans Castle Lounge, says it would be safer for customers if pubs were open.

"The street in general had been cleaned - I think by the Council - by the time we came in.

"It was just behind our barriers which we have for our outdoor seating area. We filled two bags of rubbish and there were signs of urination on the side of the pub.

We feel that pubs and restaurants should be allowed to open and we feel that they are safe environments as opposed to these uncontrolled drinking sessions on the street.

Mr Smith said they are hoping to open to some capacity at Christmas.

"There's not a publican or a restaurateur in the country who is under any illusion that this Christmas is going to be a Christmas like we've had previously.

"No one wants to pack out their pubs and risk the health and safety of their customers and staff.

"People just want to be given a chance to trade, a chance to welcome their staff and customers back through their doors."