Gardaí found 30 people in pub on Christmas morning

By BRIAN MOORE

A DUNMANWAY publican was convicted and fined for allowing 30 customers to remain drinking at his premises during the early hours of Christmas Day.

Michael O'Donovan of the Shamrock Bar in Dunmanway, has four other convictions this year alone for breach of the licensing regulations.

He told Judge Tim Lucey that he was having trouble getting the customers to leave the pub on the morning in question. ‘It was 1.30am on Christmas morning when the gardaí called to your pub and discovered 30 people drinking there,' Judge Lucey said. 

‘I believe many pubs close early on Christmas Eve, and I can't remember dealing with a case like this before. You should not have to wait for the gardai to arrive before closing your doors, this may have been common 30 years ago, but not now.'

Judge Lucey went on to fine Michael O'Sullivan €1000 with three months to pay.

He said he also required the publican to promise to close his premises on time or face an endorsement on his licence.