Court hears gardai heard loud music inside Offaly pub at 2.45am
PEOPLE were still drinking in a Birr put at 2.45am when closing time was 12.30am, Tullamore District Court was told.
Michael Dickson (50), Seffin, Birr, pleaded guilty to permitting the consumption of intoxicating liquor at Enrights Bar and Lounge, Emmet Square, Birr on January 14 last.
Sergeant Richard Thornton said gardai on patrol heard voices and loud music and after knocking and being admitted inside by an employee, nine people were seen seated and consuming alcohol.
Closing time was 12.30pm with another 30 minutes for drinking time on the night, said Sergeant Thornton, who added that Mr Dickson had no previous convictions.
The guilty plea was entered by defending solicitor Patrick Martin who said Mr Dickson was not working that night.
A family function was taking place and there were relatives home from Canada in the pub.
Mr Martin said the premises was not one that would come to garda attention and it was located very close to the garda station.
He added that Mr Dickson had brought €500 to court. The pub opened from Thursday to Monday.
Imposing a €750 fine, Judge Andrew Cody queried if Mr Dickson's staff knew the licensing laws and remarked that it was nearly “three o'clock in the morning” and loud music was being played.