Government 'toyed' with idea of opening pubs this weekend

Tánaiste says Cabinet considered opening bars as backbench TD said pubs could offer a controlled environment for revellers

Picture: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

The Government considered reopening bars and restaurants for outdoor dining this weekend following large unauthorised gatherings and widespread street drinking in recent days. 

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said the Cabinet had “toyed with the possibility” of reopening bars and restaurants for the June bank holiday weekend but said, “we’re not going to change it now".