Publicans to be protected under laws

PUBLICANS will get new protection in dealing with abusive and violent customers under laws to be published in January, Junior Justice Minister Willie O’Dea said yesterday.

Mr O’Dea welcomed a new report by the Commission Liquor Licensing published yesterday which dealt with the issue of the right to refuse service.

The report followed a series of disputes between publicans and members of the Traveller community arising from complaints taken under the Equal Status Act 2000.