Whelans Bar. Image: Facebook.Gearoid Whelan vowed to open his pub last week, despite government instructions not to.
Limerick publican Gearoid Whelan opened his pub Whelan's bar in Newcastle West at 10:50am this morning, but closed the premises at lunctime after gardai arrived.
The publican made headlines last week when he vowed to open, despite the government delaying the latest phase of easing of restrictions.
Pubs that do not sell food cannot open until August 10th.
Mr Whelan says even though he disagrees with the situation, he agreed to the Garda request.
''So we opened our doors this morning at 10 to 11, and at 1 O'clock the gardai entered the premsis and advised me to close under the health act of 1947'', he said.
''So I'm complying with their advice, I closed my doors.
''I don't agree with it, I still don't see what we're doing wrong, there's nothing illegal going on.
''But I have massive respect for the gardai, we wouldn't have a business without them''.
