A restaurants group says gardaí should have taken a 'zero tolerance' approach towards restaurants and pubs in breach of COVID-19 guidelines.
Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) CEO Adrian Cummins says any businesses not following the rules should be closed with 'immediate effect'.
It comes as restaurants and pubs face the prospect of fresh restrictions, with the Government expected to tell them to close from Christmas Eve.
Gardaí yesterday said they'd issued the first closure order on a licensed premises in the north-west of the country, in a business where no 'substantial meals' were being served.
However, the force said it also detected breaches at a number of other businesses around the country.
On today's Pat Kenny Show, Mr Cummins expressed frustration that more businesses weren't closed down in recent weeks.
He said: "We've pleaded with the Government to make sure they implement a regulatory regime, and send in the gardaí to inspect on a regular basis... so we stamp out those businesses that are not abiding by the rules, [to shut] them down with immediate effect.
"The gardaí have the powers to immediately close down a premises if they so wish.
"It's quite disappointing that the gardaí didn't close down with immediate effect premises where they've found breaches."
Mr Cummins said the RAI has been "pleading" with the Government to talk to them in order to come up with a regime that could allow them stay open.
However, he said restaurants are now looking at another period of uncertainty, not knowing when they'll reopen.
While there have been calls for restaurant groups to take action against businesses in breach of rules, Mr Cummins said they have 'no legal right' to do so.
He said: "We've only seen one business being closed down, but we've seen a huge amout of information in the media in the last 48 hours when gardaí went into premises and found breaches.
"Those businesses should have been closed down with immediate effect.
"We don't have the legal powers... the law is the law, and it's being implemented by gardaí."
Earlier this week, gardaí said they continue to take the approach of 'engage, explain, encourage and enforce' when engaging with the public on COVID-19 guidelines.
They said the 'vast majority' of businesses are following guidelines - but those who aren't are putting the health of their staff, customers and community at risk.
