Queries over licensing for car-park festival

A two-day gin and craft beer festival was discussed at length regarding the issuing of an occasional licence. Inspector Paul Kilcoyne said there was an objection to the festival last weekend. Mr Michael Monahgan, solicitor, said the event was being organised by Sligo BID to promote tourism and it wasn’t a late night event. The judge accompanied the Inspector and Mr Monaghan along with Mr Brian O’Sullivan, one of the licensed holders of an adjacent premises, to inspect the structure. The issue was regarding several traders selling alcohol under the one roof. Inspector Kilcoyne said it was his view that under the Casual Trading Act sale of alcohol doesn’t come under the ambit to which the judge agreed. He said he did appreciate the event was trying to bring people into town and said he would grant the licence if Mr O’Sullivan assumes all duty for each stall, including maintaining order and not selling alcohol to those underage. The event which started on Friday, was granted the licence with an application to evoke if required on Saturday.