Teen drinking fears scupper off-licence

An application for an off-licence in a Cork suburb has been refused due to Garda concerns it would be impossible to police an anticipated increase of teen drinking in a neighbouring woodland.

Judge Olann Kelleher said that, on the request of the applicant’s solicitor and gardaí, he visited the premises operated by Gerry Breen, at Breen’s service station, Donnybrook, and found it to be a well-run business.

The judge asserted gardaí were not at all concerned about the character of the applicant or his fitness to run the premises.

However, he noted Garda concern was with difficulties anticipated in policing a neighbouring area known as The Mangla woods where young people could gather.

Judge Kelleher upheld the objection and refused the off-licence application.

“It is quite obvious the gardaí have no objection to the fitness of the premises or any problem with the application... The objection from the gardaí was that they would have difficulties policing the area.

“Given the number of young people in the area I do not think it would be in the public interest to grant the licence. I think the Garda objection is sustained.”