Pubs should close if crowds gather outside – Government official

Pubs should consider closing if large groups gather outside their premises, officials have warned. Picture are Gardaí on the scene at South William Street in Dublin city centre. Picture: An Garda Síochána/Twitter

Pubs offering takeaway drinks should consider closing if large groups are gathering outside their premises, a senior Government official has suggested.

A warning has also been issued around "de facto Christmas parties" which should not go ahead this year.