A pub in Tramore reopened last month despite not holding a liquor license.
Ritz owner John Sheedy confirmed to WLR that he did not renew the license when it expired last year on 30th September.
Mr Sheedy declined to comment any further on the renewal when contacted.
Records show that the pub was last registered under the company name Shee Process Displays Limited, which dissolved last March. A judgement had been registered against the business according to companies database SoloCheck.
Earlier this month Mr Sheedy defended himself against accusations of public health breaches at the pub. He had said that a number of staff had contracted Covid-19 around Christmas week, but stressed that he attempted to obey restrictions at all times.
A spokesman for the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) said it would not comment on individual cases but said it was vital that pubs renew their licenses and obey public health guidelines.
The VFI stated that pub owners could renew their license for free this year due to the pandemic. This requires the publican to be compliant with Revenue, Gardaí and the Fire Service.
“Not only are publicans who don't renew their licence harming themselves but they're also harming the industry," the spokesman added "however, it should be said that the vast majority of pubs have been obeying restrictions."
License enforcement is up to gardaí. At present, Gardaí are understood not to be investigating the matter.
Tramore Garda Station referred queries to the Garda Press Office, which said it would not be providing information on whether there are ongoing investigations into pubs failing to renew their license in Waterford.
Last Friday a judge in Laois refused to renew the licence of a pub after gardaí objected, citing breaches of Covid-19 restrictions during the pandemic. Gardaí nationwide have been carrying out raids against suspected shebeens, which are classed as unlicensed premises.
