Pubtrading withouta licencefora year

A West Sligo pub was trading without a licence for a year, a situation which was described as completely irregular by Judge Kevin Kilrane.

Summoned for breaching the licensing laws on November 22nd 2015 was Paul Clarke of Lismcbryan, Beltra, licensee of The Still Bar, Dromore West.

Inspector Donal Sweeney said there were 20 people on the premises at 1.50am. The defendant didn’t have any previous convictions.

Mr Stanley Harte, solicitor ( defending) said the pub had been leased at the time but the licence was still in the defendant’s name. Aoife Keane was operating the premises at the time.

He said that a Kirsty Murphy would soon be taking over the premises soon and had signed a lease.

Judge Kilrane said he wasn’t happy with the situation and that it was completely irregular. “I agree” - Inspector. Mr Harte said the situation would be regularised.

He explained that Clarke did not making an application for an interim transfer of the licence.

He told the judge that the premises was leased for approximately a year.

“So, it was a year neing operated without a licence” - Judge.

The Judge said he wanted to hear from the defendant.

The case was adjourned to Februry 23rd and he said he expected that an interim transfer of the licence application to be brought on that date.

The Judge said he also wished to hear from all parties mentioned including Ms Keane on that date. having insurance at Ballytivnan Road on December 23rd 2015.

The court was told the defendant didn’t own a van he was stopped driving in and thought he was a named driver but the policy had been cancelled in Agust by AXA.

The defendant said he was a named driver on a policy which covered his driving on another car.

Brendan Jinks, Shannon, Bundoran Road was fined € 300 for not having insurance at Summerhill Roundabout on June 4th and banned from driving for one year.