Shebeen celebrates ‘Mickey Mouse’ fine in court ruling

PATRONS of the Southill shebeen gathered last night to celebrate what locals described as the “Mickey Mouse” fine handed down after a judge ruled it was an illegal drinking premises.

Judge Tom O’Donnell at Limerick District Court yesterday ruled the premises had all “the appearances, vestiges, attributes, and dare I say it, ambience” of a pub.

A maximum fine of £50 old pounds is provided for in the 1962 Intoxicating Liquor Act under which the case was brought. Judge O’Donnell said this converted to €63.49 and he imposed a fine of this amount.