Pub licences depend on boycott of student drinking binge

GARDAÍ and residents in Bishopstown, Co Cork, have objected to the liquor licence being renewed for two bars in the area unless the bars’ owners gave undertakings not to have anything to do with the so-called CIT Christmas Day.

The authorities of Cork Institute of Technology and the students union have no part in organising the event, described as a drinking festival, which usually takes place on the last Thursday of November.

Gardaí and residents are opposed to the event, which starts in the morning and attracts students from colleges all over Cork and Munster. The activities have centred in the past on two particular pubs — The Bishopstown Bar and McCarthy’s Bar on Model Farm Road (formerly the Tennis Village).

At the annual licensing court before Judge David Riordan yesterday, Superintendent Charles Barry, on behalf of An Garda Síochána, and solicitor Sinéad Ford, representing Bishopstown Community Association, voiced their concerns.

When publican Richard O’Brien applied for the renewal of his licence, Supt Barry and Ms Ford indicated that their objections would be withdrawn if he gave an undertaking to have nothing to do with the event.

In the witness box, Mr O’Brien vowed that “no students will be facilitated at McCarthy’s Bar on the day known as CIT Christmas Day. I undertake that no musical or social event will be organised or permitted to take place within the premises which would facilitate or encourage the participation of students in any activity which is commonly known as or associated with the CIT Christmas Day.”

Following that undertaking, his licence was renewed in the normal way by Judge Riordan.

Because certain notices of objection had not been served on the Bishopstown Bar, the application for licence renewal by publican Kieran Horgan was adjourned until October 28 at Cork District Court.

The objections by gardaí and the community association will be withdrawn if Mr Horgan gives an undertaking not to facilitate any type of musical or social events at his bar on the day.

In the past few years, there have been public order incidents in the Bishopstown area during and after the day-long party. Residents have complained about drunkenness in residential areas and additional Garda resources had to be allocated.

It also attracts students from UCC and buses have brought students from ITs in Waterford, Athlone, Limerick and the University of Limerick.