Minister for Justice Heather Humphreys has said gardaí will use their discretion to deal with pubs and restaurants serving alcohol to customers availing of on-street seating.
The extra space for customers was facilitated by the Government under an outdoor seating scheme earlier this month. However, doubts about the legality of the service were raised by gardaí in Galway at the weekend.
Officers said the consumption of alcohol in these spaces was not permitted, unless specifically provided for in a liquor licence obtained in court or where by-laws permitted the drinking of alcohol in public.
The issue is to be discussed by the Joint Policing Committee of Galway City Council. Ms Humphreys said last night that gardaí would engage with licensed