Public drinkers face €75 spot fine

PEOPLE found drinking in public places in Limerick now face a €75 on-the-spot fine, as a result of a bylaw introduced by city council.

Drinking in public places has been prohibited for some time, but due to a gap in the law, gardaí were limited in what they could do with offenders.

The head of the Limerick Garda division, Chief Supt David Sheahan, had called for an amendment to the intoxicating liquor bylaws to give gardaí greater powers in Limerick to stamp out drinking in public places. He said extra powers were needed to enable gardaí to tackle alcohol-related crime and maintain public order on the streets.

Tighter bylaws have been put in place following a public consultation process.

Mayor Jim Long said: “I believe the new bylaw on drinking in public places will benefit the public at large. I am hopeful that the enforcement of these bylaws will allow people to enjoy public amenities with greater confidence. I welcome the co-operation of the gardaí and Limerick City Council in strengthening these bylaws.”

Chief Supt Sheahan said: “From a garda perspective we are pleased with the enhancement of these bylaws. I would like to remind the public that it is in their interests to comply with the bylaw.”

Anybody found drinking alcohol in a public place in the city will now be issued with an on-the-spot €75 fine. Failure to pay will result in court proceedings being initiated within 21 days.

A similar bylaw was introduced by Limerick County Council last year and to date more than 100 people have been fined.