VFI says it will take action against any members flouting COVID19 regulations

A body representing pub owners says it'll take action on its own members if they're found to be flouting Covid-19 regulations. 

26 pubs are facing prosecution, after gardaí found people drinking in their premises without buying food, and breaching social distancing guidelines. 

Officers conducted 7,000 checks on pubs over the weekend, and the force is warning publicans they'll object to their licence renewal applications, unless they comply with the rules.

Chief executive of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland, Padraig Cribben, says members will face sanctions if found to be breaching the guidelines: