Publican fined over after-hours drinking

A pub owner who thanked gardaí for ejecting a group of late-drinking teachers from his premises has been fined €750 for breaching the licensing laws.

Publican Alex Hamilton appeared before Falcarragh District Court in Co Donegal charged with a breach of the licensing laws.

The court heard that when gardaí called to The Loft Bar on May 30, they found a group of teachers drinking after-hours.

Solicitor Fiona Brown said the teachers had been at an end-of-term Mass.

Ms Brown said her client found it difficult to get the teachers off the premises and actually told gardaí he was thankful they had arrived.

Judge Conal Gibbons said it was the first time he heard of a publican blaming his clients.

“Doesn’t he know that the customer is always right?

“I have always found the teaching profession to be most compliant and law-abiding,” he said.

He said he also noticed Mr Hamilton had a “terrible record” when it came to licensing matters.

“It’s the publican’s job — that’s what’s called keeping your house in order,” said Judge Gibbons.

He said Mr Hamilton could put his licence at risk if he came before the court again on licensing matters.