Publicans apply to court for Good Friday licence

LIMERICK publicans will today apply at the city district court for permission to open on Good Friday for the Munster v Leinster Magners League game at Thomond Park.

Up to 100 pubs in the city have signed the application sent to the District Court. The publicans will be represented by Gearóid McGann.

Mayor Kevin Kiely has also sent a letter to the office of the District Court judge supporting the application.

The publicans say the court can give them permission to open from 6pm to midnight on Good Friday – the game kicks off at 8.05pm – as the game is a special event.

However, senior garda sources have indicated that this proposition will be opposed as the game does not constitute a special even as envisaged in the Intoxicating Liquor Act.

A report by the publicans’ financial advisers, BDO Simpson Xaviers, will be submitted in court detailing the economic benefits to the city of the game.

Heineken Cup games at Thomond Park are estimated to be worth in the region of €10 million to the city.

In his letter to the office of the District Court Judge, Mayor Kiely said tens of thousands of people, who do not have tickets for the sell-out game, would like to savour the big game atmosphere in Limerick’s public houses.

Publican Jerry O’Dea said of the application: “It is at the discretion of the judge. We can’t say we are confident, just hopeful of a favourable outcome.”