'The pub door was wide open' -South Longford publican fined for having 1.30am patrons

A South Longford publican has been fined after a number of customers were found drinking in her bar following closing time by Gardaí.

Bridget Carey of Canal Turn, Main Street, Ballymahon pleaded guilty to having approximately four patrons on her premises at approximately 1.30am on a Friday night/ Saturday morning, an hour after closing time on January 20, 2024.

Licensing laws required her to stop serving at 12.30 and have the premises clear by 1am.

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Sergeant Mark Mahon, court presenter, said Gardaí were on patrol on the Main Street of Ballymahon when they observed the door of the pub wide open.

"There were two people outside smoking in the doorway.

"There was fresh drink being served at the premises."

Sgt Mahon said the last conviction in connection with the premises was February 20, 2018 when six patrons were found on the premises and the publican was fined €100.

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Sgt Mahon stated there was also a previous after hours matter in 2013 when the publican was fined €200 for a similar breach.

Solicitor Gerard Carthy asked Judge Bernadette Owens to give his client credit for her guilty plea and he then explained the circumstances.

"The situation was, probably the classic one that a licensed premises proprietor finds themselves in, that she was away for the night on family business and the person left in charge unfortunately didn't handle matters properly.

"She understands the seriousness of the matter and she has indicated that the particular employee was part-time and is no longer engaged in the premises.

"She does run a good house judge, she's had no difficulty in six years," he added.

Judge Owens noted the plea and after considering the circumstances she decided to impose a conviction and a €300 fine with five months to pay.