Guardio calls retail outlets, including Downs stores and Tesco, when Clam Down starts to ensure compliance with lockdown rules

Gardai called several retail toilets over the weekend and made sure they were being followed Coronavirus Restrictions.

Shops are allowed to open across Ireland only for essential reasons, so even supermarkets are not allowed to sell things like toys – says Thaniste Leo Varadkar.

Gardai visits stores across the country to see if these rules are being followed.

Officials who shared the pictures on their social media visited unnamed dance stores over the weekend and found no violations of the rules there.

A Garda spokesman said: “Garda is conducting compliance testing at retail outlets in support of current Risk Level 5 COVID-19 measures.

“Under the current measures, retailers can only be open for essential retail needs. Working together can make a difference for all of us.”

Talking about these rules Sunday, Thaniste Leo Varadkar said: “If you are a mixed retailer you have to separate your stock and sell only the essentials. If you have a large store with groceries and clothing, you have to separate the garments.

“We have been in contact with Garda and it is different if they are using PPE to sell other products.

“This is also unfair – think of all the small shops and retailers that have to close – this is unfair and it will not be allowed.

“I’m sure the law is strong because I’ve been involved with the Department of Justice.”