POLICE have issued a caution to a Co Down bar and restaurant after crowds of people were seen drinking alcohol in its beer garden.
The PSNI last night said officers visited Daft Eddy's, which sits by the shore of Strangford Lough, following a number of reports of people gathered at the premises on Saturday.
Photographs had also emerged last week on social media of people drinking alcohol in the beer garden of the popular business, which is located in the Sketrick Island area of Killinchy, on bank holiday Monday.
Visitors have been flocking to the bar/restaurant after it launched a food take-away service with many also enjoying some pints in the large beer garden outside.
However, on Saturday in a post on Facebook, Daft Eddy's said there would no more draught beer served.
"Hi folks, takeaway menu operating as usual tomorrow however there will be no draught beer available until further notice," it said.
"Thank you in advance for respecting our alcohol policy.
"Our garden area is still available for consumption of takeaway food from the premises only. Families and small groups of six or less in accordance with social distancing policy."
But a police spokesman last night confirmed that officers had visited the business on Saturday and reminded them of the licensing and coronavirus regulations.
"Police received a number of reports of people gathered at licensed premises in the Sketrick Island area of Killinchy on Saturday 30th May," he said.
"Police attended the premises and spoke to staff around potential breaches of both the Licensing (NI) Order 1996 and also the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) Regulations NI 2020 .
"The owner of the premises was cautioned by police and appropriate guidance given.
"If the appropriate licence is in place, there is provision within the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) Regulations NI 2020 for Public Houses to offer food or drink for consumption off the premises."
There have been calls for bars across Northern Ireland to be allowed to re-open open if they have large beer gardens.
At present pubs will not be expected to re-open until August, the final and fifth stage of Northern Ireland's lockdown recovery plan.
But the hospitality sector has said more needs to be done to help pubs across the north.
Colin Neill from Hospitality Ulster said: "As an industry, we have been talking about trying to use outdoor spaces effectively, as long as health and safety regulations are followed.
"For example, pavements could be used effectively by cafes or beer gardens considered or allowing businesses to expand into nearby carparks - we need to do all we can to save businesses."
