Closing hospitality on December 30th will lead to a surge in parties in homes and other unregulated settings over New Year, according to the Restaurants Association.
Cabinet's expected to sign-off on the decision to shut restaurants and pubs serving food after Christmas when it meets on Tuesday.
It comes as Gardaí raided an illegal pub in Navan this weekend, and found 30 people socialising inside with no face coverings and no social distancing being practiced.
Restaurants Association spokesperson, Adrian Cummins, says it highlights the need for regulated venues for people to gather over New Year:
