All pubs in Temple Bar are now closed until further notice

Finally.

After videos circulated via Twitter, WhatsApp and other social media platforms of packed pubs and bars in Temple Bar, all venues inside the tourist district have now closed with immediate effect.

As it stands, roughly 80 bars across the capital and well over 100 bars across the nation have closed their doors to combat the spread of coronavirus in recent days, as well as cultural venues, cinemas and restaurants.

In a statement sent to media in the past hour, the Temple Bar Company said that the "decision was taken in light of the experiences of members of The Temple Bar Company over the last few days when it proved impossible to follow the public health advice to limit numbers and adequately implement measures on to control social distancing."

The move comes as Acting Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Acting Health Minister Simon Harris criticised publicans and landlords for opening bars and failing to adhere to social distancing guidelines regarding indoor gatherings of over 100 people. The videos showing parties inside bars and pubs were widely shared, and provoked huge response online.

In total, there are 20 bars in the Temple Bar district, including The Norseman, Bad Bob's, Buskers, The Porterhouse, The Temple Bar, and The Oliver St. John Gogarty Hostel and Bar.